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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 










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IEELAND AND FRANCE. 



FROM THE FRENCH OF 



ALFRED DUQUET 



WITH A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

MARSHAL MacMAHON, 

Second President of the French Republic. 



BALTIMORE : 

JOHN MURPHY COMPANY. 

1899. 






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44235 



Copyright, 1899, by P. R. M. 



TWO COPIES RECEIVED. 




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TO THE 

FAST AND FIRM FRIEND AND CHAMPION OF THE 
IRISH RACE 

PATRICK FORD, Esq. 

Editor Irish World, New York 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY 
THE TRANSLATOR. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. The Ked Cross Society — Prussians violated neu- 
trality laws — Sympathy for France 11 

II. Irish Brigade and the Ambulance Relief Corps 
land at Havre — English Relief Corps lands also 
at Havre 13 

III. Ambulance Corps on the battlefield — The Stu- 

dent and the Black Charger 17 

IV. Visit to England by the French Delegation — 

Another Delegation sets out for Ireland 19 

V. From Paris to London 21 

VI. From London to Holyhead 23 

VII. Arrival at Kingstown — " Cead-mille-failthe" for 

the French Delegates , 25 

VIII. From Kingstown to Dublin — A grand ovation.... 27 

IX. In Dublin — Breakfast at Mr. Lombard's — Grand 
Meeting and Banquet — Franco-Irish Ambu- 
lance — The O'Neills of Tyrone — Letters from 
the Archbishop of Orleans and President Mac- 
Mahon — No Home Rule for Ireland — The 
French and Irish workingmen — The Republic 
— Welcome for the French — Reply of Viscount 
de Flavigney, president of the Delegation — 
Eloquent speech of Mr. A. M. Sullivan — Reply 
of Mr. Ferdinand de Lesseps 28 

X. Address by the Municipality of Dublin to the 
French Delegates — Sightseeing through the 
city — Dinner at the Lord Lieutenant's 46 

5 



b CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER. PAGE. 

XI. Excursion to the Co. Wicklow — Powerscourt 
Waterfall — Vartry Waterworks — At Glenda- 
lough, and the " Meeting of the Waters " — Visit 
to Father Fox's Orphan Asylum 52 

XII. Visit to Mallow and Cork — Great Demonstra- 
tions at Marleborough, Thurles and Limerick 
Junction — Arrival at Mallow, Blarney and 
Cork — The Lord Mayor of Cork presents an 
address — Count de Flavigney replies and thanks 
all Ireland in the name of France for the assist- 
ance given during the war — Addresses of the 
workingmens' club, and a delegation from 
Youghall — Speech of Mr. John Martin — Visit 
to Queenstown — On board the man-of-war 
Northumberland, Captain Gibbons command- 
ing — Dinner and speechmaking at Ashgrove 
—O'Neill of Tyrone and the Duke de Feltre 
make speeches 57 

XIII. From Cork to Glengarriffe — Arrival at Macroom 

— Lunch at the beautiful lake called Gougane 
Barra — Visit, to island ruins of St. Finbar — J. J. 
Callanan's description of it — Bantry Bay — The 
French invasion — The winds save England — 
Fiat Lux 69 

XIV. From Glengarriffe to Killarney — O'Sullivan's 

march — Tunnel through the mountain like 
that of St. Gervais of Chamony — Arrival at 
Kenmare — Visit to Catholic Church and Con- 
vent School 75 

XV. At Killarney — Ovation to the French Delegates 
— France was beaten because she was unpre- 
pared for war — Visit to the Lakes — Mucross 
Abbey — O'Sullivan's Cascade — Innisfallen 78 

XVI. Killarney to Dublin — Orange bigotry — Viscount 
de Flavigney, President of the French Delega- 



CONTENTS. 7 

CHAPTER. PAGE. 

tion, charmed the Irish people — The Foresters 
— Dinner at the Mansion House — Viscount 
O'Neill of Tyrone and the Irish Brigade 84 

XVII. Mass at the Jesuits' Church — Eloquent sermon 
by Father Bannon, on " France the Queen of 
civilization, and the Protector of all oppressed 
nations " — Departure of the French Delegates 
— A grand send-off. 91 

XVIII. From Dublin to London — In London — Beware 

of pickpockets 94 

XIX. From London to Paris — Arrival at Versailles — 
Marshal MacMahon well pleased with our 
reception in Ireland 96 

XX. Conclusion — Thanks to Ireland 98 

XXI. Treaty of Geneva 100 



APPENDIX. 



Marshal MacMahon, Second President of the 
French Republic. 

I. The grandfather of MacMahon was a native of 
Limerick, Ireland — MacMahon was born June 13, 
1808, at the Castle of Sully— At 17 he entered the 
school of St. Cyr, and graduated in 1827 — Lieu- 
tenant of the 4th Hussars in 1830 — Went to 
Algiers in '31 — Then received the Cross of the 
Legion of Honor — Afterwards appointed Colonel 
of the 41st Regiment of the line 109 

II. MacMahon was made General of Brigade in '48, 
and in '52 Military Governor of Constantinople, 
and General of division afterwards 112 



8 CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

III. The Crimean War— On September 8th, 1855, the 

Malakoff, the key of Sebastopol was taken by 
MacMahon, for which he was named Senator 
of France 112 

IV. War with Austria — MacMahon gains a great victory 

— Created Marshal and Duke of Magenta 114 

V. Franco-Prussian War — MacMahon's plans not 
heeded — Battle of Woerth, Metz, and Sedan — 
MacMahon wounded and taken prisoner 115 

VI. MacMahon and the Commune 117 

VII. MacMahon elected President of the French Kepublic 
— He is superior to the greed of office — Ketired in 
1879— He died in October, 1893 119 



PREFACE 



The terrible slaughter of the Commune is at an 
end. Our conquered army has returned home. 
Alsace and Lorraine are now German territory. 
In fine, the war is over, thanks be to the Lord. 

Notwithstanding all our misfortunes, it is pleasant 
to know that there was one people who did not 
abandon us in our trials. One people who has the 
same esteem for us now, as it had before the war ; 
and that is the Irish people. 

In this little volume, we shall briefly relate a 
few facts about the French and Irish Red Cross 
Societies during the late war between France and 
Prussia. The good these societies have done for 
the poor wounded soldiers j and also the grand 
ovations which the Irish people gave to the French 
delegates on their recent visit to Ireland. Let it 
be understood that the opinions here expressed, are 
our own personally. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE 



CHAPTER I. 



The Red Cross Society. 

THE French Red Cross Society was formed 
recently to relieve all sick and wounded 
soldiers. It is one of the blessed works which do 
honor to our common humanity. It is fraternal 
charity carried to its utmost limit, because it makes 
no distinction between friend and foe. The ambu- 
lances and military hospitals were made neutral by 
the Geneva convention, and this condition affected 
physicians, chaplains, nurses and ambulance corps. 
(See Treaty of Geneva, below.) 

THE PRUSSIANS VIOLATED NEUTRALITY LAWS. 

Being taken prisoners in September, we saw at 
Versailles and at Rambouillet, a number of Prussian 
soldiers wearing the Red Cross, and armed to the 
teeth at the same time. We inquired the reason 
why they acted so. " Oh ! " they said, " we shoot 
first, and then we gather up the wounded." 

11 



12 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 



SYMPATHY FOR FRANCE. 

The sympathy manifested for France by the Irish 
people during the Franco-Prussian war, was very 
deep and very emphatically pronounced indeed. 
After the defeat of the French army at Woerth, at 
Forback, and at Sedan, a gloom of sorrow was cast 
over all Ireland, because her friend and ally emerged 
from the fray non-victorious. 



CHAPTER II. 



The Irish Brigade and Ambulance 
Relief Society. 

AT a meeting called by the leading men of 
Dublin, in September 1870, an ambulance 
corps was formed, and dispatched to France imme- 
diately with money, linen and medicine. 

Mr. P. J. Smith was sent to France to com- 
municate with the French Government. The 
Ambulance, which consisted of 300 persons, 10 
horses and 5 wagons, was a godsend, and was 
received by the French with open arms. In more 
ways than one did Ireland help France in the 
hour of her need, and during the war the Irish 
heart went out in sympathy to her. A brigade 
was formed at Caen, consisting of 600 men, all 
Irish ; this little army fought bravely on the 
plains of Beauce and Fran che-Co rate ; and Cap- 
tain Kirwan distinguished himself for his bravery 
during the campaign. 

LANDING OF THE IRISH AMBULANCE RELIEF 
CORPS AT HAVRE. OCTOBER 13, 1870. 

The Ambulance Relief Corps, which arrived 
from Ireland by the steamer La Fontaine, was 

13 



14 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

officially received this morning. From an early 
hour the streets of the city were thronged with 
people. Two battalions of artillery of the national 
guard, one company of marines, three companies 
of la garde-nationale, a detachment of troops of 
the line, with their commanders, formed upon the 
boulevard-de-Strasbourg. At 9.30 the order to 
march was given. Whilst the line passed the 
headquarters of the Ambulance Corps, there was 
a continual cheer of "Vive PIrlande ! Vive la 
France ! " After the arrival of the city officials, 
Mr. Alfred Duquet stepped forward and said : — 
" Gentlemen : Viscount de Flavigney has ap- 
pointed me to receive you, upon the soil of our 
dear country, in the name of the French Inter- 
national Ambulance Relief Society. It is needless 
to express to you, how much our unhappy country 
is touched, with the sympathy shown us by 
Ireland, in the moment of our affliction. 'A 
friend in need is a friend indeed/ Gentlemen, in 
the name of our country, you are a thousand times 
welcome." 

Mr. Sigfried spoke for the city, as follows : — 
" Gentlemen : The city of Havre : the people of the 
city of Havre are happy to be able to extend to you 
a Caed-Mille-Failthe. We are delighted to be able 
to acknowledge our gratitude for the good work 
you have come to do amongst us. It is a hard 
and difficult task, and the only recompense you 
will have, is the thought of having done nobly ; 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 15 

the gratitude of the wounded soldiers and the 
heartfelt thanks of the French people: 'God save 
Ireland/ " 

Then Colonel Massu made a nice little speech, 
in the name of the French army. Mr. McCann, 
one of the Aldermen of Dublin, replied as follows : — 

" On the part of a sister nation, a nation inti- 
mately united with France by innumerable his- 
torical alliances, I present to you delegates of the 
noble French nation, this Ambulance Relief Corps. 
If it can render you any assistance in this hour 
of your trial, it shall have accomplished the mission 
very dear to the Irish people." 

After the applause had subsided, Mr. P. J. Smith, 
M. P. for the Co. Dublin, spoke very eloquently and 
with much warmth, as follows : — 

" Gentlemen: Permit me to extend to you the 
assurance of the most tender sympathies of the sons 
and daughters of Ireland. We wish to be separated 
from the shameful indifference of the rest of Europe. 
We are Irishmen, and as Irishmen we declare our 
friendship in the cause of France. Ireland is with 
France to-day as she has always been, and if Ireland 
could, she would send her sons to fight, and if need 
be, to die for France." (Great applause greeted 
every sentence). 

At a given signal, the line of march was taken 
up, and the procession continued on to the Hotel- 
de-Ville. Every soldier wore a green ribbon, and 
as the green flag passed along, nothing could be 



16 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

heard but" Vive Tlrlande! Vive l'Irlande! Vive 
l'Irlande ! " The Ambulance Relief Corps was 
received in the court of the Hotel-de-Ville, after 
which a magnificent repast was served. During 
the dinner many national airs were played. Our 
Irish friends surely must have noticed how much 
their services were appreciated by us. 

The English sent an Ambulance Relief Corps to 
the Prussians. They crossed the channel, and landed 
also at Havre, some time after the Irish. At Havre, 
the authorities and the people of that city gave the 
English a grand reception. 



CHAPTER III. 



The Ambulance Relief Corps on 
The Battlefield. 

VISCOUNT de Flavigney, minister of war, 
gave us permission to dispose of the Irish 
wherever we pleased, so we resolved to bring them 
to Evreux. We arrived there towards the middle 
of October, and three days after the battle of Pacy- 
sur-Eure was fought, and the Irish doctors were the 
only ones left to take care of the sick and wounded. 
In the meantime, we returned to Tours, and left the 
Ambulance Relief Corps in charge of Mr. Bourse. 
We shall not mention the many services rendered 
by the Irish Ambulance in the other towns and vil- 
lages of Beauce and Normandy ; suffice it to say, 
that from the time they arrived, until the end of the 
war, they continually looked after the wants of the 
sick and wounded ; moreover, the Ambulance cost 
not one penny to our country, for it was supplied 
with everything from Ireland. 

THE STUDENT AND THE BLACK CHARGER. 

After the battle of Buchy, Mr. Ryan, a young 
student of eighteen, was taken prisoner by the 

17 



18 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Prussians. He protested, and proved that he be- 
longed to the Irish Ambulance Corps, but all to no 
purpose; he would not be listened to at all. There 
was a beautiful black charger standing near by, 
which belonged to one of the Prussian officers. It 
just took one moment, and that Irish lad was in the 
saddle and away. Volley after volley was fired at 
him, happily, without effect. When about a mile 
off, to his surprise and consternation, four soldiers 
stepped out in front of him, and called on him to 
halt. With his revolver, he lays one soldier dead, 
wounds another, and finally escapes from the other 
two, and comes galloping in triumph into Honfleur, 
carried by the magnificent black charger of the 
Prussian officer. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Visit to England by Messes. De Fla- 

VIGNEY, SeRURIER, RlCORD 
AND DEMARQUAY. 

WE must acknowledge that the English people 
have given us much during the late war, 
and it is certain that a very large number of them 
sympathized with us. It was their interest to do so. 
It was to the advantage of England that the French 
military power should be maintained. This was 
seen after the war, when France having no voice, 
Russia abrogated the treaty of Paris, notwithstand- 
ing England's protestations. 

Messrs. de Flavigney, Serurier, Ricord and De- 
marquay, were charged with the task of thanking 
the English people for what assistance they gave us 
during the war. Receptions and dinners were given 
to the delegates, officially, by the authorities. To 
these receptions and dinners, was also invited the 
Prussian ambassador, and M. de Flavigney in his 
remarks, had common sense enough not to show 
his astonishment at such lack of good taste, to say 
the least. 

We received much sympathy from many of the 
English people, but when we come to consider the 

19 



20 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

aid given officially by England, we must say we did 
not admire it. How they manoeuvred in order not 
to break the neutrality laws ! If we received an 
orange from one, some one else would send three to 
the Prussians. 

Let us pass over and see how Ireland treated us. 
Ireland did not bother herself about neutrality laws. 
What did she care whether Bismarck was displeased 
or not ? She was our true friend ; she, like France, 
had no love for Prussia. 



CHAPTER V. 



From Paris to London. August 15th. 

VISCOUNT de Flavigney, Mrs. Dr. Panouse, 
Mrs. Pitrey and her two daughters, set out 
from Paris on the 14th. On the following day, 
Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand de Lesseps, Dr. Rufz and 
daughter, and myself, said good-bye to our friends. 
When we arrived at Calais, the boat was ready to 
take us off, and after a few minutes we all went on 
board. The sea is always very rough here, which 
fact, together with the smallness of the boat, and poor 
accommodation, makes the voyage very unenjoyable. 
Almost every passenger was sea-sick. At last the 
white cliffs of Dover could be seen in the distance, 
and shortly afterwards we landed. Then it was 
that our trouble commenced. Trunks, bags, and 
valises were opened for inspection, and if not opened 
immediately, locks and straps were broken and lids 
were smashed by the officials. After all the fussing, 
nothing of a contraband nature was found amongst 
our effects. It was just 6 p. m. when we arrived in 
London. We directed our steps to the House of 
Parliament to see Mr. J. P. Smith. On entering a 
large hall, we were directed to the House of Commons 
by a big policeman, who told us Mr. Smith was not 

21 



22 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

present, and another one said he was. We waited 
and waited, but no Mr. Smith came to us. Finally, 
a messenger approached and asked for our card. 
Five minutes later we were introduced to Mr. Smith, 
Secretary of the House. Not long after we had the 
pleasure of shaking hands with the real Mr. Smith, 
who brought us oif to have tea with him. After- 
wards we went to the House of Commons, and there 
listened to a very dull speech by one of the M. P.'s. 



CHAPTER VI. 



From London to Holyhead. 
August 16th. 

THE preceding evening, the whole party decided 
to take the 7.30 a. m. train for Holyhead. 
One of the gentlemen left strict orders with one of 
the waiters of the hotel to wake him up at 6 a. m. 
He went to bed early, and slept as sound as a top, 
until he awoke, and then reaching out for his vest, 
he pulled out his watch and found it was 6.45 a. m. 
It took him just three minutes to make his toilet. 
Down to the dining room he ran, ordered a cup of 
tea, and in the meantime he gave the waiter a good 
sound tongue thrashing in broken English, for 
having failed to wake him up in time. He paid his 
bill in French gold, handing over to the proprietor 
one hundred francs ($20 or £5), and of course 
expected to get back English money in change. 
But seeing his hurry to get away, the proprietor put 
on an addition to his bill, and to all the questions 
he asked, and signs he made to recover his money, 
he answered not a word, neither English nor French. 
Not having many minutes to spare, he gave up all 
hope of getting back his change. So he jumped 
into a cab, and off he went to the railroad station, 
in the very worst of humor. From such hospitality 
may the Lord deliver us. 

23 



24 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Calling a man to take charge of his trunk, he went 
to get his ticket. While awaiting his turn at the 
ticket-office, the man and the trunk had disappeared, 
and where to find them he could not tell. He 
looked up and down, in and out, here and there, 
but all to no purpose. Finally after getting seated 
in the train, his lost friends made their appearance, 
and then the train moved out. From London to 
Chester the country is very level and uniform. On 
our arrival at Holyhead we immediately went on 
board the magnificent steamer which carries the 
mail to Kingstown. To our great surprise, we found 
Mr. E. Lesage and Mr. McCann waiting for us. 
These gentlemen brought us to the dining-room and 
entertained us most agreeably. We enjoyed our 
voyage very much. The sea, which is very rough 
at times, was as calm as a lake. To give an idea of 
its calmness, one of the ladies inquired what time 
the boat would leave for Kingstown, although we 
were already twenty minutes at sea. After four 
hours out, the mountains of Ireland became visible, 
and not very long after Kingstown could be plainly 
seen. Mr. Lesage pointed out the high chimney of 
a lead manufacturing establishment, built, it would 
seem, on the top of the mountain ; the reason of its 
being built so high, was because formerly the arsenic 
which came from the lead used to poison all the 
cattle for miles around. The chimney is swept 
every three years, and about two thousand pounds 
worth of arsenic is gathered each time. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Arrival at Kingstown. August 16th. 

IT was said that 20,000 persons came to welcome 
the French delegation to Kingstown. The 
delegation was composed of the following named 
persons : Count de Flavigney, president of the 
society, Viscountess de la Panouse, Viscountess de 
Pitray, Mr. de Lesseps, Dr. Rufz de Lavison, Miss 
Rufz de Lavison, his daughter, Viscount O'Neill 
de Tyrone, Mr. Henry O'Neill, lieutenant in the 
army, Mr. D. Couchin, Mr. and Mrs. Galishon, 
Captain de Cantenson, Mr. O'Scanlon, reporter 
during the war for an Irish paper, and Mr. Alfred 
D uquet. 

It was just 5.30 p. m. when the boat touched the 
quay at Kingstown. We were met at the landing by 
Messrs. John Martin, M. Sullivan, T. D. Sullivan, 
M. Lombard, M. McCabe-Fay, J. J. Kennedy, E. 
McMahon, P. Falty, J. Twohig, Alderman McCann, 
Dr. O'Leary and J. McMahon, from Dublin ; Mr. 
J. O'Reilly, H. O'Rorke, J. Crostwaite, J. Sullivan, 
S. Brasel, W. Fitzgerald, and J. O'Reilly, from 
Kingstown. 

After the usual presentations, Mr. O'Reilly read 
the following address : — 

3 25 



26 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

"To Count de Flavigney, president of the Society, 
and to the distinguished personages who accompany 
him : The geographical situation of Kingstown gives 
to its corporation the honor of being the first to 
extend to the illustrious sons and daughters of 
France the cordial welcome of the Irish nation. 
We recognize in you the indefatigable champions of 
humanity; and, while we remember that charity 
consecrates your visit amongst us, we cannot forget 
that the history of France and that of Ireland are 
intimately connected, and that they teach us lessons 
of mutual love and veneration." 

M. de Flavigney replied : — 

" Gentlemen of the Committee: Allow me to thank 
you for the manner you have received us, and for 
the honor you have bestowed upon us, in presenting 
us with this address in the name of your beautiful 
city of Kingstown. Let me tell you how happy 
we are to be amongst you. (Applause.) In placing 
our feet on Irish soil, it seems to me that we are 
again breathing the air of France ; that we are back 
again amongst our friends and families. It is 
impossible to convey to you a just idea of the senti- 
ment's that are now uppermost in our minds. I 
have tried to reply in your own language, and if I 
have not been well understood, I know I can rely 
upon your indulgence. All my words come from 
my heart. (Renewed applause). 



CHAPTER VIII. 



From Kingstown to Dublin. 
August 16th. 

AFTER the address, a passage was made, and 
we were taken to open carriages which were 
in waiting to bring us to Dublin. It was just 6 
p. rn. when we started for Dublin. The road from 
Kingstown was a beautiful sight. The French and 
Irish flags were carried in procession. It was grand ! 
Such joy ! such enthusiasm ! We never witnessed 
anything like it before. Everywhere along the 
whole route, men, women and children joined in the 
same cry of, " Hurrah for the French ! " " Long 
live MacMahon !" "God save Ireland!" "France 
for ever!" There never was in my opinion, such 
a reception given to any living king as we received. 
M. de Lesseps, who travelled extensively, and saw 
so many people, told us he was completely surprised 
at the extraordinary ovation, the like of which he 
never witnessed in all his life. Some of the papers 
in speaking of the immense crowd who came to 
Dublin that day, put the number at 600,000, 
although that seems a little exaggerated ; yet, we 
are certain there were not less than 400,000 who 
came to do honor to the sons and daughters of France. 

27 



CHAPTER IX. 



Breakfast at Mr. Lombard's; Grand 
Meeting and Banquet. August 17th. 

WE were magnificently installed at the Shel- 
bourne by the Irish Ambulance Committee, 
the members of which bore all the expense them- 
selves. On the morning of the 17th, at 10 a. m., 
we had breakfast with Mr. James Lombard, presi- 
dent of the Committee; he and his daughter, Mrs. 
Murphy, entertained us in grand style. We must 
mention here, that the ladies who came to represent 
France, did it with a most charming grace. Mr. 
de Flavigney was placed at table between the Lord 
Mayor and his wife. We sat beside a priest who 
spoke French well. 

After breakfast, we went to the meeting in the 
rotunda. This meeting was called by the Committee, 
who gave in their final report and discharged the 
Ambulance Relief Corps. The approaches to the 
great hall were completely filled with people, and as 
to the hall itself, it was more than filled, it was 
packed. At 3 p. m., the Lord Mayor and Mr. de 
Flavigney and his companions, and the Ambulance 
Committee entered the hall amidst the cheers of the 
populace; the Lord Mayor took the chair. Mr. 
28 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 29 

Lesage then presented to Mr. de Flavigney, an 
address in which he expressed how Ireland regretted 
very much her inability to give any more than a 
poor offering to her " sister in distress." 

" When you return to your country, say that you 
have found a friend and an ally; say you have 
found a people who are for France, and for France 
only, because they cannot forget what France has 
done for them 'in the days of old/ The sun of 
victory will shine again as brightly as ever over the 
banner of France ; and Europe will render homage 
to her once more, as the true champion of religion, 
of civilization and of liberty." 
Mr. de Flavigney replied : — 
"My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen : After the en- 
thusiastic demonstration made yesterday in honor 
of France, by the people of your beautiful city, we 
are very happy to unanimously express to you our 
profound gratitude ; you have done much to lessen 
the misery which the late war necessarily brought 
with it, and you have done it in a most generous 
manner; you would have done more if the neutrality 
laws were not opposed to your desires, but we 
appreciate your good intentions, and our gratitude 
is just the same. Other nations have sent us aid in 
various ways, but Ireland alone has sent hers with 
an affectionate peculiarity all her own, and you 
alone have inscribed on your banner, ' Franco-Irish 
Ambulance.' 

" Certainly, it is not necessary to tell you, that 



30 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

your surgeons took more care of the French than 
of the Prussian soldiers ; this again shows your 
sympathy for France. This organized charity is 
the most noble conquest of modern times. The Red 
Cross, first thought of by Mr. Dunant, and sanc- 
tioned by the convention of Geneva, has become 
the emblem of charity in the military world. And 
now let me say, if we have come here to thank you 
in the name of our society, our Government, also, 
will offer you some public testimony of its gratitude. 
All those who have taken part in sending aid to us, 
and in caring for our poor wounded soldiers, will very 
soon receive the decoration of the legion of honor." 



Mr. A. M. Sullivan then presented Viscount 
O'Neill of Tyrone, with a beautifully bound volume 
entitled, " The Destinies and Fortunes of the Chiefs 
of Tyrone and Tirconnell." 

Mr. O'Neill was visibly moved, and thanked Mr. 
Sullivan for his beautiful gift. The family of 
O'Neill is one of the most ancient, and one of the 
most illustrious in all Ireland. The O'Neills have 
reigned in Ireland without interruption for more 
than five hundred years. 

Nial of the nine hostages was the most famous of 
pagan monarchs. All his energies appear to have 
been devoted to his hostile expeditions against 
Albion, Britain, and Gaul. It was probably in his 



IRELAND AND PRANCE. 31 

last descent upon Gaul, that a little boy, named 
Patrick, was, together with his sisters Dorerca 
aud Lupita, first carried among other captives to 
Ireland. Holy prize ! Thrice happy expedition ! 
for this little boy was afterwards no other than the 
famous St. Patrick, the great apostle of Erin. 

Among the most illustrious of the O'Neills, we 
may mention Shane O'Neill and his nephew Hugh 
O'Neill. Shane was once offered a title by Elizabeth, 
but he treated her with scorn and said, that as Ulster 
had belonged to his ancestors, so it now belonged to 
him, and having won it by the sword, by the sword 
he was resolved to keep it. 

Hugh O'Neill of Tyrone, waged war with Eliza- 
beth for seven years, which cost her an enormous 
amount of men and money. He was so much 
feared by England that his name became a terror to 
her soldiers, and at the words " Tyrone's coming," 
they would oftentimes retreat, and wait many days 
before giving battle. At last, poor man, he had to 
fly from his beloved land. He went to Rome, and 
there died in 1616. 

The present Viscount O'Neill is a direct desendant 
of Hugh O'Neill of Tyrone. 

OWEN ROE O'NEILL. 

On June 18, 1642, Owen Roe O'Neill, nephew of 
Hugh O'Neill of Tyrone, came from Spain, and 
took the field against the English. He met the foe 



32 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

at a place called Benburb. It was in the afternoon of 
a fine day in June he gave the order to advance. 
The whole Irish army rushed upon the English with 
pike and sword and carried all before them, leaving 
over 2000 of them dead upon the field. The Irish 
loss was less than 100. 

Owen Roe O'Neill died in 1649. He was con- 
sidered to be one of Ireland's great commanders, and 
his death was mourned for a long time throughout 
the whole island. 

Mr. Lesage then read the following letter from 
Rt. Rev. Mgr. Dupanloup, Bishop of Orleans : — 

"I have just received your kind invitation to be 
present at the banquet of the Irish Ambulance 
Committee. I am extremely thankful for this in- 
vitation and I regret very much my inability to be 
with you. I say I regret it very much, because 
then I would have an opportunity not only to thank 
you personally for your friendship, but also to thank 
all Ireland for what it has done for us during the 
late war. 

" Gentlemen, I cannot express to you how grateful 
I feel for your friendship, so firm and sincere. 
Heretofore there were many ties which united France 
with Catholic Ireland, but now, Gentlemen, they are 
united for ever, as St. Paul says, ' ad cor vivendum 
et comrnoriendum.' 

" Gentlemen, believe me, etc., 

© Felix, Bishop of Orleans, France." 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 33 

A letter from Marshal MacMahon was then read 
by Mr. J. Martin. 

Versailles, France, 

Headquarters of the Army, 
August 6th, 1871. 

" Gentlemen : — I feel very grateful for the com- 
pliments you have addressed to me, and for the 
kind invitation to be present at the banquet to be 
given to the president of the French Ambulance 
Society. Kindly express my thanks to all those 
who would be pleased to see me there, for, at present, 
I cannot leave Versailles, which I regret as much 
as yourselves. 

" Gentlemen, I have the honor, etc., 

P. MacMahon." 

Mr. McCabe-Fay, secretary, then read the entire 
report of the committee. Finally, the meeting 
adjourned sine die, with three cheers for France. 
After the meeting, we met Dr. Baxter, head surgeon 
of the Ambulance Corps ; we shook hands, and 
remained together a few minutes, then bade each 
other good-bye, the crowd still cheering for France. 

THE WORKINGMEN. 

If the French workingmen could only take a trip 
over to Ireland, they would see their Irish brothers 
listen religiously to the advice of honest men in 
whom they have placed their confidence. They 



34 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

would see, also, a laudable tolerance of the opinions 
of their opponents. Indeed, the Irish workingmen 
ask nothing but what is just, viz : the amelioration 
of their condition, brought about by peaceful means, 
a political renovation approved by equity and com- 
mon sense; whilst in France, what do many of the 
workingmen want? It matters very little to many 
of them what form of government exists, provided 
they get enough to eat, and plenty of time to enjoy 
themselves. There are men in Paris to-day, who 
go to work Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 
spend the rest of the week in idleness, and these men 
earn from five and six, to ten francs a day. Their 
poor wives and children have to be supported by 
public charity, because the men spend their earnings 
foolishly. It is pleasant, however, to look upon the 
other side of the picture; to think of the many men 
who are honest and upright, sober and industrious, 
who, putting their trust in God, support their 
families as best they can. 

THE REPUBLIC. 

Our country to-day should be ruled by an iron 
hand. We do not mean one iron hand, for we dread 
the singular number. Let us be conservative. Our 
form of government now is republican, then let us 
uphold the Republic. If those at the head of the 
government do not please us, let us, by our votes, 
compel them to step down and out. If, on the other 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 35 

hand, we were ruled by a bad king, a revolution 
only could remove him, and of revolutions we have 
had enough. Those in authority should enforce the 
laws, no matter who breaks them, otherwise our 
Republic will be a republic in name only. 

NO HOME RULE FOR IRELAND. 

As to Ireland, we cannot understand how it 
is, that England approves Home Rule for Italy, 
Hungary, Holland, Belgium, Egypt, Greece, Canada, 
and Australia, and yet, she will not consent to give 
it to Ireland. 

THE BANQUET. 

On the evening of the 17th the banquet took 
place. It was given in the hall of the exposition, 
which was richly decorated with evergreens, flowers 
and flags. At one end of the hall there was a large 
table somewhat raised above the others, and it was 
at this table the Lord Mayor sat. At his right was 
seated Mrs. de la Panouse, Count de Flavigney, 
Mr. de Lesseps, Mr. Lombard, Mrs. Petry, Mrs. 
Galishon, Miss de Lavison, the duke of Feltre, 
and Mr. A. M. Sullivan. On his left, the Lord 
Mayor's wife, Viscount O'Neill, Dr. Rufz de 
Lavison, Mr. John Martin, Mr. Maguire, Mr. D. 
Cochin, Mr. Galishon, Mr. O'Scanlon, Mr. Henry 
O'Neill, Mr. de Cantenson, Mr. de la Chaise, and 
Mr. Alfred Duquet. Around the other tables were 
seated three hundred of the most illustrious persons 




g 

ft 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 37 

in the nation. The gallery was filled with ladies 
and gentlemen who paid to listen to the speeches. 
Behind the table of honor, a splendid orchestra 
played national airs. 

Now the toasts commence. Listen ! The Lord 
Mayor proposes the health of Queen Victoria. 
Then arose the storm of hisses, about which the 
English press talked so much. The French were 
in no way responsible for such a demonstration. 
The same thing would have happened if the banquet 
were given in honor of the Great-Mogul. 

The Lord Mayor then drank to the health of 
the Lord Lieutenant, whom he regarded as the best 
sportsman in the three kingdoms. These brilliant 
qualities are not very much admired by the Irish, 
and the toast was a failure. The Lord Mayor was 
defeated twice, it is true, but the third time his 
victory was complete. " To the Representatives 
of France," was received with tremendous cheers, 
with joy and enthusiasm which cannot be described. 
Here is what he said : — 

" I propose a toast to our distinguished visitors, 
the representatives of the French nation. I feel 
great difficulty in proposing a toast of such import- 
ance, for when I consider the high rank, the 
personal merit, and the charitable sentiments of 
those men and women who have come amongst 
us, my embarrassment increases the more. Here 
is Count de Flavigney, president of the ambulance 
society, separated from his family, away from home, 



38 IRELAND AND FRANCE, 

in order to serve his country and take care of the 
poor wounded soldiers. We have also here a man 
with royal Irish blood in his veins, Viscount O'Neill 
of Tyrone, the grandson of an illustrious Irishman. 
Here also is the Duke of Feltre. He, too, is of 
Irish origin, and there is Mr. de Lesseps, who built 
the great canal which unites two seas." 

Count de Flavigney then arose, and made a 
speech in English, as follows : — 

" My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen: The splendid 
reception given to us by the people of Kingstown, 
and by the people of Dublin to-day, prove beyond 
doubt, your love and affection for us. This recep- 
tion has filled our hearts with joy, because we know 
it was given, not so much for us personally, as for 
our beloved country, France, and it will be a great 
consolation for her to know that she has such an 
ardent and true friend in this little green Isle of 
yours. (Applause.) 

"At the meeting this morning, the report of the 
services of your ambulance was read ; but the great 
services which it has rendered to the poor soldiers 
have been but too modestly represented. 

" We were shut up in Paris during the war, but 
we have been informed about what you have done. 
To give an example, Dr. Baxter, the head surgeon, 
not only saved the life of the soldiers, but on one 
occasion he saved the lives of the inhabitants of 
a whole city. One day a Prussian soldier was 
wounded, the general heard of it, and swore he 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 39 

would destroy the city immediately. Dr. Baxter 
obtained a delay until he extracted the ball from 
the wound. The ball proved to be shot from a 
Prussian gun. The general was satisfied. 

" Provisions sent by Ireland came in great abun- 
dance, and the poor as well as the rich contributed. 
I again repeat that your ambulance did us a great 
service. We hope you shall never want the assist- 
ance of France. You are happy and prosperous 
now [cries of no ! no ! no !] ; but if you ever find 
yourselves in like circumstances, you can depend 
upon us." (Cheers). 

Viscount O'Neil of Tyrone, then proposed " Ire- 
land" as the next toast. Mr. John Martin replied. 
He said : — 

" Ireland and France love each other, because of 
a certain similitude in their qualities, and when I 
say qualities, I mean faults also, because a nation 
without faults, would be a queer and strange nation. 
France is still the most powerful, as well as the 
most Christian nation, notwithstanding the many 
reverses she has suffered. Political circumstances 
have changed the genius of Ireland, but the spirit 
of both nations is the same, and sooner or later, 
they will give each other a helping hand. 

" The demonstration given yesterday by the Irish 
people shows their love, their respect and their in- 
alienable friendship for the representatives of France. 
Our friends know well that a public demonstration 
is not complete in which neither police nor soldiers 



40 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

take part, but they know also, that Ireland is not 
her own mistress ; that she owns neither soldiers 
nor police. There was nothing official in yesterday's 
reception. It was the expression of heartfelt sym- 
pathy of the Irish people." 

At the conclusion of this speech, Mr. A. M. 
Sullivan arose and proposed, " To France, our 
Benefactor." 

" My Lord Mayor, My Lords, Ladies and Gentle- 
men: My colleagues of the committee have im- 
posed a heavy task on me, not forgetting that night 
and day during this week, I took my humble part 
in the reception which was to be given to the nation 
our benefactor. But no matter what has been my 
labor in this work, it was only a labor of love for 
me, and when I want to express the sentiments of 
love and affection, which Ireland has for France, 
it is not necessary for me to be prepared. (Ap- 
plause.) 

" My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen : He who 
would speak of France as she deserves, should 
retrace the history of everything that is great and 
glorious in the civilization of the world. If you 
take France from the map of the world, you at 
the same time bind the human race in the chains 
of slavery. And as sometimes you see clouds rise, 
and after a while gradually fade away, leaving 
behind those beautiful shades of blue, so we see 
France at first rise from the midst of savage 
grandeur, then by degrees traverse through the 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 41 

different phases of the feudal times, of chivalry, 
of romance and of song. 

"In the time of Charlemagne, France occupied 
the first place in Europe, teaching the nations 
sitting at her feet the fine arts, civilization, religion 
and liberty. (Applause.) 

" Read the history of France, and see what the 
chisel of the sculptor, the brush of the artist, and 
the pen of the poet have done for letters and art 
during the days such as those of the reign of 
Louis XIV. 

" Read the history of France, and you will see 
that in the revolutionary times, when this great 
natiou suffered under the feudal system, during the 
hours of her sorrowful agony, she made tyrants 
tremble on their thrones. 

" Read the history of Europe, read it down to 
our own times, and see what France has done, 
marching at the head and realizing in our own 
days the dream of the Pharaohs, the uniting of 
two seas. I mean what future historians will 
narrate as the work of five hundred years, the work 
of Ferdinand de Lesseps. (Great applause.) 

" I ask you where is the Prussian ; where is the 
Englishman that could ever cut through an isthmus? 
But, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not 
for these reasons that we propose a toast to France. 
It is not because she is great, glorious, and free. 
It is not because she is powerful. No ! No ! If 
we have given her a magnificent ovation, that 
4 



42 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Kings might envy, it is because France has some- 
thing still greater, something still nobler, than her 
power, and her glory. It is because, of all the 
nations, she has been the only generous and dis- 
interested one among them, and she is the only 
nation, that has drawn the sword to redress the 
wrongs of the oppressed. (Applause.) 

" Whether it was to expel the Turk from Greece 
or chase the Goths and Vandals from Eome and 
protect the Vicar of Christ in the Eternal City, or 
send aid to Ireland in her troubles, or lend a 
helping-hand to the United States of America in 
their struggle to be free, France has always taken 
the leading part. 

" Let me tell you, sons and daughters of France, 
there is no place else where all this is better remem- 
bered than in dear old Ireland. ' (Applause.) 

"THE IRISH EXILES. 

" My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen : There is 
not and there never was, a spectacle so full of tragic 
grandeur, as the exodus of the flower and nobility 
of Ireland which gave to France the Clarks, the 
O'Neills, and the McMahons. 

" Tell me of all the national struggles you can 
think of. Show me the monuments of victories 
won, from Moscow to Madrid, and tell me what 
nation can represent such a spectacle of immolation 
and self-sacrifice, as that which was seen, when the 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 43 

ancestors of the Duke of Feltre and Viscount 
O'Neill of Tyrone departed forever from the land 
of their birth ? Well might they lament with the 
poet when he said : — 

" Farewell, lovely Erin, the home of my childhood, 
Thy green sunny hills I may ne'er see again ; 
But my heart will return to the castle and wild- 
wood, 
And ever with Erin will fondly remain. 

" No more will I roam through the green fields of 
Ireland, 
Or pluck the green shamrock that grows in the 
vale; 
But I'll hate the oppressors, who've ruined my 
sireland, 
And sent me an exile from dear Innisfail. 

" Farewell, dearest Erin, now and forever, 

The home where my comrades and true friends 
do dwell, 
My heart, it is breaking to think we must sever, 
Adieu, lovely Erin, forever farewell. 

" For the Earls would rather homeless roam 
Where freedom and their God might lead, 
Than be the sleekest slaves at home, 
That crouches to the conqueror's heel. 

(Tremendous applause.) 



44 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

" Dearly beloved France ! In remembrance of 
these heroes, Ireland presses you to her bosom. To- 
day you drink the chalice of bitterness, but have 
faith, have courage ! If Europe has forgotten what 
she owes you ; if the nations have turned their backs 
on you, while the enemy was at your gates j if they 
have placed themselves, like cowards, behind that 
word neutrality ; no matter ! Turn your eyes to- 
wards the west, and listen ! ? Tis the voice of Ireland, 
as she strives to break her chains: ' God! that 
these hands were free to help my benefactor ! ' (Tre- 
mendous applause.) 

"Animated by these sentiments, I ask of this 
assembly of Irish ladies and gentlemen to stand up, 
and drink the toast, ' God save France! ' " 

Three ringing cheers were then given for France. 

It was in the midst of the general emotion that 
Mr. de Lesseps arose and replied to the very eloquent 
speech of Mr. Sullivan. 

11 My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen : I remember 
once to have read of a certain countryman of yours, 
who, being invited to a great banquet given in his 
honor, was, of course, expected to make a speech. 
He spent a great part of his life striving to gain her 
liberty, and at the same time he was loaded down 
with honors by the king and his ministers. 

Being in a very delicate position, every one was 
anxious to hear what he had to say. At last his 
turn came, he got up very slowly from his chair, 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 45 

oowed gracefully to the audience and said, ' Thanks.' 
Knowing that the audience was surprised and dis- 
appointed^ he turned towards his neighbor, and 
whispered loud enough to be heard by everyone, 
1 Have I said too much ? ' This, of course, brought 
down the house. 

" Ladies and Gentlemen, I know you would not 
be pleased with me, if I should follow his example. 
Permit me to remark, I am very glad to be able to 
say a few words in reply to the very eloquent speech 
to which we are just after listening. 

" There has always been sentiments of esteem and 
affection existing between France and Ireland. 
From my childhood I have been accustomed to love 
Ireland, and the reason I loved it was, because I 
have always heard my father and mother speak well 
of Ireland. From time immemorial, under every 
form of government, this love of France for Ireland 
has existed, and has been many times expressed by 
the French press, no matter what else were the 
opinions of these organs. And after what we wit- 
nessed yesterday, we can testify to the love which 
Ireland has for France." 

Many other toasts were drunk, and amongst them 
was one I cannot pass over in silence. It was to the 
French ladies; to which the Duke of Feltre replied 
in a happy speech, and at midnight the banquet 
terminated. 



CHAPTER X. 



Address by the Municipality. Sight- 
seeing THROUGH THE CITY. DlNNER 

with the Lord Lieutenant. 
August 18th. 

ON the 18th at noon, the members of the muni- 
cipality of the city of Dublin, came to present 
an address to the French delegates. The costume 
of the members was certainly very remarkable. 
They put one in mind of the men of some great 
eastern potentate, with their robes, their swords, and 
their golden chains. Being introduced into the 
drawing-room of the hotel, they were received by 
Mr. Flavigney and his companions. The Lord 
Mayor, after shaking hands with us, read the fol- 
lowing address : — 

" Count de Flavigney : We, the Lord Mayor and 
Aldermen of the city of Dublin, wish you and your 
honorable colleagues a cordial welcome to our city. 
In doing so, we express the sentiments of the Irish 
people. We feel great satisfaction to know that the 
efforts made by Ireland in aid of the sick and 
wounded soldiers in the late war, have been so much 
appreciated by the French people." 
46 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 47 

This was the third address that Mr. Flavigney 
received, and we must say they were beautiful, uot 
only in the manner in which they were gotten up, 
but more especially on account of the sentiments of 
love and affection which they expressed. The presi- 
dent of the committee brought them home to France, 
and keeps them as precious souvenirs of our visit to 
Ireland. 

Mr. de Flavigney replied that it was a great 
honor to receive such an address. He thanked 
Ireland for the manner in which he and his com- 
panions had been received. It was also his desire 
that France would sooner or later strike a blow for 
Ireland. He said that he was now far advanced in 
years, and that he could not hope to be of use very 
long, but that he had a son, now Mayor of one of 
the cities of France, who knew of all the services 
the Irish ambulance had rendered during the war, 
and who would always remember the warm reception 
given to his countrymen by the people of Dublin. 

At one p. m., the members of the committee came 
for us to go visit the principal places in the city. 
We were first taken to the old parliament house, 
very near which is the statue of the great O'Connell. 
Then we were taken to the park, which contains ten 
thousand acres of the best of land. It was here 
that the famous meeting took place, which was dis- 
persed by the police. Mr. P. J. Smith was address- 
ing the people from the steps of the Wellington 
monument, when the police, who are governed by 



48 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Orangemen, made an onslaught on the unoffending 
people, who numbered fifty thousand, many of whom 
were killed and wounded. Then we made a pilgri- 
mage to the tomb of O'Connell ; it is a very impos- 
ing one. A marble sarcophagus contains the casket, 
which can be seen through a glass cover. Over the 
door, written in gothic letters, are the last words of 
the illustrious liberator, " I leave my body to Ireland, 
my heart to Rome, and my soul to God." 

We cannot help relating an incident which 
happened during the same day. Two French 
gentlemen made up their minds to do the city all 
by themselves. One of them proposed to have 
their pictures taken while in Dublin. In passing 
along, they saw just what they wanted, a photog- 
rapher's. They went in, and immediately com- 
menced to make their business known to the 
proprietor, but all to no purpose. They could 
not make themselves understood. One of the 
gentlemen thought he could speak English very 
well, but when he strove to tell that they wanted 
their pictures taken he failed completely. He 
made signs, he made faces, and strove in every 
possible way to convey his ideas to the photog- 
rapher, but the poor man gave it up. Then calling 
to his wife, he said in French, " Felicie, come 
here a minute. There are two fools here, whom 
I cannot understand. Try, and find out what 
they want if you can." " Oh, you are French ! " 
exclaimed our two friends. " You should have told 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 49 

us that at first." The photographer was dumb- 
founded for a moment. He then commenced to 
excuse himself for what he had said. He told how 
he used to trade in oil, but business being dull he 
bought this little shop in Dublin, and came over 
here to live. 

We then paid a visit to Mr. Smith, M. P., who 
entertained us most royally, after which we went 
to dine with the Lord Lieutenant. It was decided 
that we should accept the invitation, for whatever 
might be our particular opinions, it would be an 
insult to refuse to go. 

The residence of the Lord Lieutenant is in 
Phoenix Park, and like most English castles, is 
not very imposing. At 8 p. m. the French dele- 
gates went to the castle, and were received by the 
chamberlain, the Lord Lieutenant being not at home. 

Lord Spenser is very rich. He has in his pos- 
session some of the very finest plate, which came 
down to him from the famous Marlborough. Here 
is the Menu : — 

Vice Regal Lodge. August 18th, 1871. 
Potage Jardiniere, a la Xavier, 

Tarbots Bouillis, Sauces homard, 
Fause Tourte, a P Anglais, 

Filets de Sam on, a la Bern ice, 
Cassolettes garnies de Moelle, a PEspagnolle, 
Filets de Poulets, a la Royale, 

Salmis de Coqs de Brugre, au Chasseur, 



50 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Dindonneaux, a la Macedonie, Jambons, an Madere, 
Hauches de Venaison Roties, 

Selle de Moutons Roties, 

Cailles Roties Bardees Leverauts, 

Petis Pois, a la Francaise, Chants aus Anglais, 

Flan de Peches, a la modern, 

Profitrolles au chocolat, a la Vanille, 

Chrochauts glaces, a la Cylan, Gatean a PElizabeth. 

Now as the menu is known, we shall give the 
names of those who partook of it. The Lord 
Lieutenant and his wife, the French consul and his 
wife, Lord Kildare, Lord Meath, Lord Monck and 
their wives, Mr. Burk, Sir Henry Havrelock and 
his wife, Colonel Corrigan, the President of the 
Medical Faculty, the President of the Faculty of 
Surgeons, Count Jarnac, Lord Sandhurst and wife, 
Captain Bing, Count de Flavigney, Mesdames de 
a Panouse and Petry, Mr. and Mrs. de Lesseps, 
Viscount O'Neill of Tyrone, Mr. Henry O'Neill, 
Mr. and Mrs. Galishon, the Duke of Feltre, Mr. 
Alfred Duquet, Mr. de Cantenson, Mr. Dennis 
Cochin, Mr. Maguire, Mr. O'Scanlan, Mr. H. 
Thompson, Mr. C. Boyle and Captain Briggs. 

During the banquet, the band of the 70th Regi- 
ment of Infantry played several choice pieces. 

After the dessert, Lord Spenser stood up, and 
when all the rest had followed his example, he took 
his glass, raised it, and with deliberation said simply 
"To the Queen." The band immediately struck up 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 51 

"God save the Queen," and when the last notes had 
died away, we all sat down again. The ladies, then 
following the English custom, retired to the draw- 
ing-room, leaving the gentlemen all alone. This 
custom is said to date back far into the ages. 
Gossip has it, that after the dessert, and when the 
wines had been indulged in, at many of the banquets 
given then, the male portion of the gathering gener- 
ally used to fall off their seats and roll under the 
table. This spectacle, of course, displeased the 
ladies very much, so they made up their minds to 
get out of the way before the accident occurred. 
But why keep up the custom, since no such accidents 
occur nowadays? At 6 p. m., we joined the ladies 
in the drawing-room, where special artists were 
engaged to entertain us until midnight. The Lord 
Lieutenant did all in his power to make it pleasant 
for us, and he succeeded admirably. 



CHAPTER XI. 



excuksion to the county wlcklow. 
August 19th and 20th. 

ALL the members of the French delegation set 
out, under the direction of Mr. O'Sullivan, 
on an excursion to the charming county Wicklow. 
We went by rail to Bray, a beautiful summer resort. 
After leaving Bray, we proceeded as far as the long 
glen, through which the river Dargle flows ; the 
length of the famous glen is about a mile, and the 
height of some of the enclosing walls of rocks ex- 
ceeds three hundred feet. The view of the glen 
from above is most beautiful; here is a combination 
of rugged rock and foliage of every tint and form, 
with the Dargle leaping and foaming beneath. One 
of the best places, for a good view of the glen, is at 
the "Lover's Leap." Then we visited the water- 
fall at Lord Powerscourt. The fall is about three 
hundred feet, and when the volume of water is 
large, it descends from rock to rock, with a rush 
and a roar that is very impressive. Afterwards, we 
proceeded to the Vartry Waterworks. It is from 
here that Dublin is supplied with water, through a 
very ingenious system of siphons, the like of which 
we have never seen before. After lunch at Vartry, 
52 




POWERSCOURT WATERFALL. 



54 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

we were driven towards Glendalough. In the vil- 
lages, through which we passed, the French flag was 
everywhere to be seen, and the people were assembled 
in crowds shouting, " Hurrah for France ! God save 
Ireland ! God save France ! " We wish we could 
have all our countrymen see and hear the demon- 
strations that were made in our behalf. It was really 
touching j and notwithstanding all the fatigue which 
we endured during our visit to Ireland, we can never 
think of that country and its chivalrous people 
without sentiments of emotion. 

After Mass, the next morning, we continued our 
journey on towards the Seven Churches 

AT GLENDALOUGH. 

Many and curious are the traditions current 
regarding the founder of a seat of learning in 
this lonely wilderness. The founder, St. Kevin, 
was born in the year 498, was baptized by St. 
Col man, was educated by Patrocus and ordained 
by Bishop Lugid. He was contemporary with 
St. Columkille. He led a hermit's life, in a place 
called Luagen Duach, since called Glendalough. 
The erection of seven churches is ascribed to St. 
Kevin there. A city sprang up, and a seminary 
founded, from whence was sent forth many ex- 
emplary men, whose sanctity and learning diffused 
around the Western world the light of the Gospel. 
St. Kevin died in 618, after leading a holy life, 
at the age of 120 years. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 55 

From the Seven Churches, to " The Meeting of 
the Waters," is about ten miles. The beautiful 
vale of Avoca, in which the waters of two rivers 
meet, is celebrated in song by one of Ireland's 
gifted sons, Thomas Moore. 

" There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet, 
As the vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet. 
Oh ! the last rays of feeling and life must depart, 
Ere the bloom of that valley shall fade from my 
heart. 

Yet it was not that nature had shed o'er the scene 
Her purest of crystal and brightest of green ; 
? Twas not her soft magic of streamlet or hill, 
Oh, no ! it was something more exquisite still. 

? Twas that friends, the beloved of my bosom, were 

near, 
Who made every dear scene of enchantment more 

dear, 
And who felt how the best charms of Nature 

improve, 
When we see them reflected from looks that we 

love. 

Sweet vale of Avoca ! how calm could I rest 
In thy bosom of shade with the friends I love best, 
Where the storms that we feel in this cold world 

should cease, 
And our hearts like thy waters, be mingled in 

peace." 



56 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Cars were in waiting to bring us up the mountain 
side. We were met by the inhabitants of the town, 
with bands of music. We were saluted with "Vive 
la France ! " " Hurrah for France ! " Arriving at 
last at the top of the mountain, we were conducted 
to the orphan asylum, presided over by Rev. Father 
Fox. We regret to be obliged to repeat the same 
thing over and over again, but let us say with 
Moliere : " Je dis toujours la meme chose, parseque 
c'est toujours la meme chose ; si ce n'etait pas tou- 
jours la meme chose, je ne dirais pas toujours la 
meme chose." 

The people of the surrounding country were there, 
with music playing, banners flying, and drums beat- 
ing, and the boys drawn up in line to receive us. 
The Rev. Father then showed us to the dining-room, 
where we partook of his hospitality. Mr. Smith 
made a speech in French, to which the Director of 
the establishment replied in eloquent words, saying 
in part, that he was more honored that day, by our 
visit, than if the Lord Lieutenant had come to see 
them. Having spent some time in looking over the 
different apartments of the establishment, we said 
au revoir to the good Father and his companions, 
and then returned to Dublin. That day one of our 
party, Mr. de Lesseps, was called home to Paris on 
urgent business. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Our Visit to Cork and Mallow. 
August 21st and 22nd. 

PROM Dublin to Cork is 165 miles; the route 
passes through a very pleasant stretch of 
country. At many places good views are obtained 
of the picturesque mountain ranges. It was on the 
morning of the 21st we set out for Cork, with 
Messrs. John Martin and Mr. O'Sullivan. All 
the people were there to see us off. " Bon voyage 
for Cork!" "Good-bye!" "Three cheers for Count 
de Flavigney ! " " Hurrah for the French ! " were 
some of the parting salutations. At every station 
along the road a great number of people gathered to 
see us. At Marlborough, where we were presented 
with an address, there was a great demonstration. 
The address, which was read by the Mayor, was very 
artistically enscribed ou parchment, and tied with 
green ribbons. M. de Flavigney responded. Oh, 
what joy ! What enthusiasm ! 

At Thurles the enthusiasm was redoubled ; but 
it was at Limerick Junction that we got the greatest 
reception yet. The inhabitants of Tipperary turned 
out in their thousands. Seldom has any one seen such 
manifestations of joy. The name of M. de Flavigney, 
5 57 



58 IRELAND AND FRANCE, 

O'Neill of Tyrone, the French ladies, the French 
Republic, were cheered to the echo. The bands 
played the Marseillaise. The Marseillaise, that 
beautiful hymn so prostituted (by the sang-impur 
de Belleville) that we are almost ashamed of it, yet 
we like it very much indeed. 

Very soon after passing Limerick Junction, we 
obtained a splendid view of the famous Galtee 
mountains in the distance. A few small stations, 
and then we arrived at Mallow, where the crowds of 
people were exceedingly large. The bands were 
playing national airs, whilst the French and Irish 
flags were flying in the breeze on all sides. We 
were then conducted to our hotel, passing under 
several triumphal arches on the way. The magis- 
trate of the town was delighted to present the address, 
to which Mr. de Flavigney immediately replied. A 
great crowd assembled under the window of our 
hotel and repeatedly called for the French delegation ; 
we all went out on the veranda, where our president 
addressed the people again. The band played once 
more, and wondering at such manifestations of 
friendship, each one retired to his room completely 
tired out. The following morning we were escorted 
from the hotel to the railroad station amidst the 
the same manifestations of joy ; then 

WE STARTED FOR BLARNEY. 

The following is taken from the Cork Herald, of 
August 23d, 1871 :— 



60 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

"Yesterday will be written in letters of gold in 
the history of Cork. Never have the walls of the 
old city resounded with such cries of joy as those 
that were heard yesterday. It is simply impossible 
to describe the manner in which France was com- 
plimented, and the chivalrous reception which was 
given to the delegation. No words can express the 
enthusiasm which dominated the reception. 

" It is only three months since the Lord Lieutenant 
of her Majesty in Ireland made his official entry 
into Cork, surrounded by soldiers. There was not 
one cry of joy to salute him ; there was not one 
establishment decorated in his honor ; there were no 
flags displayed ; in one word there was no enthusi- 
asm. Yesterday a simple delegation arrived to 
thank Ireland in the name of France. What a 
difference between this reception and that of the 
Lord, who came with all the pomp of royalty. All 
the millions of England could not purchase for him 
such an ovation." 

The foregoing article is here inserted to show that 
a more than royal welcome was given to the French 
by the inhabitants of Cork. 

The Lord Mayor and the members of the city 
government met us at the town of Blarney, five 
miles from Cork. Here is the famous castle, built 
by Cormac McCarthy in the fifteenth century. 
Tradition has it, that a certain stone in the castle 
has been endowed with the curious power of con- 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 61 

ferring on those who kiss it a remarkable flow of 
eloquence. The poet, speaking of the stone, says : — 

" There is a stone there 
That whosoever kisses, 
Oh ! he never misses 
To grow eloquent. 

A clever spouter 
He'll sure turn out, or 
An out and outer, 
To be let alone. 

Don't hope to hinder him, 
Or to bewilder him ; 
Sure he's a pilgrim 
From the Blarney Stone." 

Our time being limited, we did not kiss the 
Blarney Stone, so we took carriages here, and after 
driving rapidly for some time along the " beautiful 
banks of the Lee," we were met by hundreds of 
people who came out of the city to get a good look 
at the French. About a mile from Cork were 
assembled the members of the city corporation ; 
the societies of the different parishes with banners; 
viz., St. Finbar, St. Mary, St. Denis, St. Louis, 
St. Luke, St. Patrick, and many others. 

After having taken our places in the different 
barouches, the procession commenced to march, 
whilst the crowd at the same time augmented in 



62 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 



numbers. As was mentioned once before, we are 
at a loss to find words to convey to our readers the 
impressions which the demonstration produced on 
our minds. The enthusiasm was simply indescrib- 
able. The French and Irish flags were waving 
from every house. The French and Irish colors 
were worn by every man, woman and child. All, 
or nearly all, carried green branches in their hands. 

It was just 12.15 p. m. when we entered the city. 
In front of the Queen's College (a Government 
Institution) a tremendous ovation took place, as we 
heard repeated, " O'Neill of Tyrone! O'Neill of 
Tyrone !" Then came the cry, " God save France ! 
Hurrah for the French Republic! Down with 
Bismarck ! " etc. As the procession advanced 
through South Main street, the enthusiasm became 
more pronounced. We shall never forget how 
beautiful the women looked, as they smiled and 
bowed to us, with their rosy cheeks and laughing 
eyes. From South Main street we turned into St. 
Patrick street, where the statue of Father Matthew 
stands ; from there we turned down the Grand 
Parade, and then on to the South Mall. At last we 
arrived at the Imperial Hotel amidst thunderous 
applause. 

The Lord Mayor met us in the drawing-room of 
the hotel. An address was presented by one of the 
members of the city government. Many thanks 
were given to us for having condescended to visit 
the capital of the South. Reminding us that the 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 63 

sympathies of Ireland were with France, the address 
terminated with these words : " We offer you the 
hospitality of our city, and we wish that your visit 
may be very enjoyable, and we regret exceedingly 
that your engagement elsewhere prevents us from 
keeping you very long amongst us." 

Our President replied in excellent English : — 

" My Lord, and Gentlemen of the City Corpora- 
tion: The address which you have had the kindness 
to present to us, expresses in eloquent terms the 
sentiments which, from time immemorial, have 
united Ireland and France. (Hear ! hear !) 

" There is something mysterious, something very 
sympathetic in the affection which these two nations 
feel for each other. It is something as strong as 
family relationship ; it is something greater than the 
relation which exists between kings and their 
governments. (Hear ! hear !) 

"The only man capable of expressing these senti- 
ments is Marshal MacMahon. But, unfortunately, 
he is not here. He regrets very much that he could 
not come with us, to thank you for what you have 
done for his beloved country. He is not the least 
gift which Ireland bestowed on France. In our late 
distress, he has rendered to us untold services. He 
has been the preserver of society, and the saviour of 
our country. He is a great man, and we all know 
that he is Irish. As he has not been able to accom- 
pany us, we have brought other Frenchmen of Irish 
origin. Here is Count O'Neill of Tyrone, who 



64 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

bears a great and respected name in this country. 
Here, also, is the Duke de Feltre, whose grand- 
father was an Irishman, and a Marshal of France. 

" Gentlemen : Allow me to tell you of the great 
services which your nation has rendered to us during 
the late war. Excuse me, Gentlemen, but I am 
unable to suppress the feelings of emotion which 
arise in my breast, when I think of them. The 
Irish soldiers, who were with our troops, conducted 
themselves like heroes. Captain Leader, for ex- 
ample, at the battle of Orleans, placed himself at 
the head of his company, and fought the Prussians 
until he had used up all his ammunition. (Applause.) 
After which he saluted the enemy, and then the 
French Army, and afterwards retired to the rear. 
Many Irishmen have been decorated for their 
bravery during the war. The city of Cork was the 
first to send money and provisions to our society. 
And Ireland sent to us a magnificent ambulance for 
the wounded soldiers. Two distinguished physi- 
cians, Drs. Baxter and Maguire, rendered great 
services to the poor wounded men. The Ambulance 
Corps was constantly and abundantly supplied from 
this country. And when other nations abandoned 
us, Ireland came to our aid in every way she could, 
although obliged to observe the laws of neutrality. 

" Gentlemen : We come here to return to you 
and all Ireland, our heartfelt thanks for your kind- 
ness. I must say you have received us most royally, 
and it will be a great consolation to us, when we 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 65 

return home, to be able to tell our countrymen, with 
what sentiments of love and affection we were re- 
ceived by the people of Ireland. 7 ' (Great applause.) 

Then an address was presented by the Working- 
men's Club : — 

" To Count de Flavigney, and to the distinguished 
persons who accompany him : Sons and daughters 
of chivalrous France. The noble Count de Fla- 
vigney has perfectly expressed our sentiments, rep- 
resenting France and Ireland as two sisters. We 
are proud to declare, that if we have acted as we 
have done, it is with the view to bind together still 
more firmly with the bonds of love and affection the 
two countries, France and Ireland. Unfortunately, 
the profound and cordial sympathy of Ireland 
towards France, was expressed only feebly, because 
we could do no more. Oh ! if Ireland was only 
permitted to join your brave soldiers to hurl back 
your enemy ! In the hope that generous France 
will believe our good intentions, we wish long life 
to the French Republic." 

The Lord Mayor then announced that a deputation 
from the town of Youghall, was ready to present an 
address to our president. The address was read by 
Mr. Ronayne, to which M. de Flavigney responded. 

Mr. John Martin, being called by the people, he 
went to one of the windows and made a speech, 
which was interrupted several times by frequent 
bursts of applause. He said in substance : " France 
has always been the friend of Ireland, and the 



66 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

French people have a very good right to love 
Ireland/' He then complimented the people of 
Cork, for the admirable reception which they gave 
to the delegation. He hoped that before very long 
Ireland would become her own mistress, and a 
nation once again, and then she could dispose of her 
army and navy as she pleased. (We must mention 
here that Mr. John Martin is a Protestant, very well 
liked by the Catholic clergy, because of his liberal 
views.) 

At 2 p. m., we were conducted to the steamer 
City of Cork, where we had luncheon. By that 
time the crowds had again gathered in full force, 
everywhere along the banks of the river. All the 
boats were packed with human beings, who continued 
cheering, waving their handkerchiefs, and clapping 
their hands. We then sailed down the river, and 
as we passed by the cruisers Lord Warden and 
Mersy, we were saluted in grand style. It is diffi- 
cult to overpraise the beauty of the river from 
Cork to the Cove, now called Queenstown. 

Here is a stream ever varying in its course and 
outline, of ample breadth, yet not too broad to pre- 
vent distinct recognition of the objects on its banks. 
Water of a color and purity of the sea. Lofty 
barriers on either side, covered with rich woods, 
and intermingled with green park-like fields, and 
shining villas. At last Queenstown came into view, 
that famous town, from which so many of Ireland's 
sons and daughters embark for the land of the free. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 67 

The people almost went wild on our arrival, and 
cheer after cheer was given for the French. The 
ships in the harbor saluted as the City of Cork 
sailed down between them. A visit was then paid 
to the battle-ship Northumberland which is said to 
be the largest in the world, except the Great-Eastern. 
Captain Gibbons received us very graciously on 
board. During our visit we noticed the band 
played St. Patrick's Day, The Marseillaise, and 
Gocl save Ireland. Then we were transferred to 
our own boat which sailed over to a little creek 
called Ashgrove, where dinner was served, after 
which the speech-making commenced. 

Mr. Murphy endeavored to respond to the toast, 
" Her Majesty the Queen/' but failed completely. 
His audience would not listen to him, so he was 
obliged to sit down. The Lord Mayor, Mr. de 
Flavigney, Mr. John Martin, and Mr. O'Sullivan 
also made speeches. 

A celebrated orator (whose name we don't re- 
member), being pressed to say something, when his 
turn came, refused at first, but afterwards con- 
sented, as his name was called several times. He 
said : — 

"Ladies and Gentlemen: You appear to desire 
very much that I should make an interesting dis- 
course to you on this occasion. I have the same 
desire myself. Unfortunately, we do not receive 
French men and women, every day at our table, 
and this, with the fact of my being able to shake 



68 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

hands with them to-day, has so overjoyed me, that 
I have drank, not exactly too much, but in fact I 
have celebrated the event in a very extraordinary 
manner for me. I therefore ask your permission 
to keep silent, for my tongue can utter nothing 
at this moment, without blundering, except these 
words, ' Hurrah for France ! Hurrah for Ireland ! 
God save France ! God save Ireland ! ? " 
This last speech " took down the house." 
At 8 p. m. the boat returned to Cork, where we 
were met by a great crowd carrying torches. They 
conducted us to the Imperial hotel, all the streets 
leading to it being packed with young and old, 
cheering and asking to see us once more. We all 
appeared at the different windows, and our presi- 
dent again addressed the people, thanking them 
for the grand demonstration that was made in our 
behalf. Mr. John Martin, again made a ringing 
speech, the last words of which were, " Long live 
the French Republic ! God save Ireland ! " 

The Duke of Feltre, and M. O'Neill of Tyrone, 
being called, addressed a few words to the people 
in like manner. Then Mr. O'Sullivan, having 
thanked the inhabitants of Cork for the magnifi- 
cent demonstration given in honor of the French 
delegation, he recommended them to go home, and 
very soon after, the streets were deserted. Thus 
terminated, according to one of the evening papers, 
the grandest ovation ever given to any one in the 
city of Cork. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



From Cork to Glengarriffe. 
August 23rd. 

THE morning of the 23rd we bade good-bye to 
the people of Cork, twenty-one guns being 
fired as we pulled out of the station. Very soon we 
arrived at Macroom, where we were met by the 
priest of the parish, and his flock, who gave us a 
hearty welcome. After the indispensable address, 
they brought us along the streets under triumphal 
arches, to the castle, with its old square towers. 
We had not time to go through all its apartments, 
yet, what we saw of it, was charming. After 
saying adieu, away we went. The usual road to 
Glengarriffe is to proceed to Bantry by the north 
one. In turning to the left we entered the Garra 
valley, by the river Toon with its zig-zag courses. 
Above the valley are rocky ledges. After passing 
the ruined tower of Duudericke, we journeyed 
through a succession of steep and rugged glens, 
until we reached the little lake of Inchigeelagh. 
Here were assembled the inhabitants of the sur- 
rounding country, carrying green branches, cheering, 
and clapping their hands. During the demonstra- 
tion we have seen women cry with joy, as we 

69 



70 irp:land and France. 

passed along. Some will say, no doubt, that we 
are exaggerating. We have not in the least exag- 
gerated anything, for we have all been witnesses 
to the extraordinary outbursts of popular feeling, 
not only here, but in every town and village, 
through which we passed. 

Mr. Murphy, of Bantry, had ordered a nice lunch 
for us, on the shore of the beautiful Gougane-Barra. 
This mountain lake, the source of the Lee, is sur- 
rounded on three sides by very lofty cliffs. Near 
the centre of the lake is an island, on which lived 
St. Finbar. Here are the ruins of the monastery, 
the chapel, etc. There is a holy well near-by, 
to which pilgrimages are made from many parts of 
Ireland. 

J. J. Callanan describes the island in his beautiful 
poem, as follows : — 

There is a green island in lone Gougane-Barra, 
Whence Allu of songs rushes forth like an arrow 
In deep-valleyed Desmond, a thousand wild foun- 
tains 
Come down to that lake from their home in the 

mountains. 
There grows the wild ash ; and a time-stricken 

willow 
Looks chidingly down on the mirth of the billow, 
As, like some gay child that sad monitor scorning, 
It lightly laughs back to the laugh of the morning. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 71 

And its zone of dark hills — Oh, to see them all 

brightening, 
When the tempest flings out his red banner of 

lightning, 
And the waters come down, J mid the thunder's deep 

rattle, 
Like clans from the hills at the voice of the battle; 
And brightly the fire-crested billows are gleaming, 
And wildly from Malloc the eagles are screaming 
O, where is the dwelling, in valley or highland, 
So meet for a bard as that lone little island ? 

How oft, when summer sun rested on Clara, 

And lit the blue headland of sullen Ivara, 

Have I sought thee, sweet spot, from my home by 

the ocean, 
And trod all thy wilds, with a minstrel's devotion. 
And thought on the bards, who, oft gathering to- 
gether, 
In the cleft of thy rocks, and the depth of thy heather, 
Dwelt far from the Saxon's dark bondage and 

slaughter 
As they raised their last song by the rush of thy 
water. 

Last bard of the free ! were it mine to inherit 
The fire of thy harp, and the wing of thy spirit, 
With the wrongs, which, like thee, to my own land 

have bound me, 
Did your mantle of song throw its radiance around 

me. 



72 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Yet, yet on those bold cliffs, might Liberty rally, 
And abroad, send her cry o'er the sleep of each valley. 
But rouse thee, vain dreamer! no fond fancy cherish, 
Thy vision of Freedom, in bloodshed must perish. 

I soon shall be gone, though my name may be 

spoken, 
When Erin awakes, and her fetters are broken. 
Some minstrel will come, in the summer eve's 

gleaming, 
When freedom's young light on his spirit is 

beaming, 
To bend o'er my grave with a tear of emotion, 
Where calm Avonbuee seeks the kisses of ocean, 
And a wild wreath to plant from the banks of that 

river 
O'er the heart and the harp that are silent forever. 

At 1 p. m. we shook hands with our amiable 
friends, and proceeded on our way towards Glenga- 
riff. Very soon we entered the pass of Kei ma- 
neigh, one of the grandest defiles in Ireland. 
Precipitous walls of rock rise on both sides, clothed 
with mosses, ferns and shrubs. And as we descend 
by the river, Bantry Bay opens out before us. 

THE FRENCH INVASION. 

" Viva la, the French are coming, 
Viva la, our friends are true. 
Viva la, the French are coming ; 
What will the poor yeomen do ? 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 73 

It was here the French, under General Hoche, 
intended to land in 1796, and strike a blow for 
Ireland. France and England being at war, mes- 
sengers were sent from Ireland to the French Direc- 
tory, asking their assistance to cast off the hated 
yoke of England and establish a republic in its 
stead. About the middle of September, General 
Hoche promised the expedition should sail for 
Ireland. It appears that everything was ready 
about that time, but from many difficulties made 
by the department of the Marine, it was not until 
the fifteenth of December that the armament sailed 
from Brest, which consisted of seventeen sail of the 
line, thirteen frigates, and fifteen transports, making 
in all forty-five sail, and having on board an army 
of eighteen thousand men. The squadron set sail 
the fifteenth with the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Army, and the Admiral on board the same frigate, 
which was afterwards admitted to be a grave 
mistake on their part. 

ENGLAND IS SAVED BY THE WINDS. 

The army never landed. For six days the re- 
mains of the fleet lay tossing within sight of the 
Irish shore, after having been four times dispersed 
by terrible storms. Out of forty-five sail, they were 
reduced to sixteen, with only six thousand fitting 
men on board ; even with this number of men, had 
a landing been hazarded, there would be every 
chance of success, if we consider the state of the 
6 



74 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 



country at the time. But General Grouchy, who 
was in command, hesitated; the flag-ship, with 
Hoche, being blown out to sea. After a day's 
cruising in the bay, a terrible gale set in from shore, 
and then a landing was out of the question. Again 
the ships were scattered over the waters. Nothing 
was left then, but to return as best one could to 
France. 

General Hoche himself, was obliged, after a fruit- 
less visit to Bantry Bay, to make his way back to 
France, not having seen a single ship of his fleet 
the whole time. Thus terminated the expedition 
which gave such a shock to England. The memory 
of this invasion is still kept green in the hearts of 
the young generation of this part of Ireland. It 
may be asked, what would have happened, if 
Hoche had landed with his fine army at Bantry, 
amongst those stal worth sons of the South ? 

Another surprise awaited us at this famous 
Bantry Bay. As we advanced over the mountain, 
the day was drawing to a close. After sunset, little 
by little night came on, and the darkness could 
almost be felt, But lo ! as if some fairy hand had 
wielded a magic wand, all was light. The moun- 
tains as far as we could see, the villages all around 
us were in a blaze. Bonfires here and there, and 
everywhere. We could not describe the effect 
which the sudden illumination produced on each 
and every one of us. We shall certainly never 
forget it. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Feom Glengarriffe to Killarney. 
August 24th. 



A 



T last we arrived at Glengarriffe hotel, where 
Mr. John Cullinane, of Bantry, entertained us. 



It was from Glengarriffe that the famous O'Sulli- 
van marched, in December, 1602, to O'Rorke's 
castle, in the County Leitrim, with a thousand 
men. It was considered at the time to be one of 
the greatest achievements of the age. He went 
right through the heart of the country, which was 
held by the English. The foe surrounded him on 
all sides. He was greatly incumbered by the women 
and children, the sick and the aged, whom he had 
to protect. He crossed a large river in boats made 
of horses' skins. Whenever he encountered the 
English, he always came out victorious. In one 
engagement he slew the commander, and marched 
on in triumph to his friend's home in Leitrim. 

" I wandered at eve by Glengarriffe's sweet water, 
Half in the shade and half in the moon, 
And thought of the time when the Sacsanach 
slaughter 
Reddened the night and darkened the noon; 

75 



76 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Mo nuar ! mo nuar ! mo nuar ! * I said, — 
When I think, in this valley and sky, 
Where true lovers and poets should sigh, 

Of the time when its chieftain O'Sullivan fled. 

Then my mind went along with O'Sullivan 
marching 

Over Musk'ry's moors and Ormond's plain, 
His curachs the waves of the Shannon o'erarching, 

And his pathway mile-marked with the slain : 
Mo nuar ! mo nuar ! mo nuar ! I said, — 

Yet 'twas better far from you to go, 

And to battle with torrent and foe, 
Than linger as slaves where your sweet waters 
spread. 

But my fancy burst on, like a clan o'er the border, 
To times that seemed almost at hand, 

When grasping her banner old Erin's Lamh Laidir 
Alone shall rule over the rescued land : 

baotho ! baotho ! baotho ! f I said, — 
Be our marching as steady and strong, 
And freemen our valleys shall throng, 

When the last of our foemen is vanquished and 
fled! 

Here it rained all night long, so much so that 
the little rivulets became roaring torrents. At 6 
a. m., all were ready to set out. As we drove along 
the shore of Bantry Bay, the view was as beautiful, 

*Alas. tO fine. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 77 

if not more so, than any on the Mediterranean. As 
we ascended the side of the mountain, the wind 
commenced to blow a gale, and the rain came 
down in torrents. Our umbrellas were turned 
inside-out. Our hats would not stay on our heads. 
Our words were cut in two, and respiration became 
difficult. At last, we arrived near the summit, 
where there was a little shelter. Here a tunnel is 
cut through the mountain, somewhat like that of 
St. Gervais at Chatnony. Arriving at the other 
side of the mountain we had a magnificent view of 
the valley lying before us. Our difficulties were 
not over yet awhile, for the storm still continued. 
Down the mountain side we go at a lively pace ; 
the cars rock from side to side, but our steeds are 
sure-footed, and our drivers are skillful handlers of 
the reins. Arriving at Ken mare, the people came 
to welcome us, headed by the town officials, one 
of whom read a beautifully illuminated address. 
After lunch a visit was paid to the Church and 
convent school, which is conducted by the Sisters 
of Mercy. In the school we were entertained by 
the children, who sang for us the French hymn : — 

"Allons enfants de la Patrie, 
Le jour de gloire est arrived 
Contre nous de la tyrannie 
L/etandard sanglant est leve," etc. 



CHAPTER XV. 



KlLLARNEY. AUGUST 25TH. 

LEAVING Kenmare behind we passed through 
the windy Gap. A full view is here obtained 
of Killarney's mountains : the Reeks, the Gap of 
Dunloe, the purple mountains. Here and there are 
craggy cliffs, projecting rocks, and desolate glens. 
What wild grandeur of wood and water, glen and 
mountain? By-and-by, however, the scene changes. 
The lakes ! the lakes ! 

" By Killarney's lakes and fells, 

Emerald isles and winding bays, 
Mountain paths and woodland dells 
Memory ever fondly stays. 

Beauteous nature loves all lands, 

Beauty wanders everywhere, 
Footprints leaves on many strands, 

But her home is surely there. 

Angels fold their wings and rest 

In that Eden of the West, 
Beauty's home, Ki Harney — 

Ever fair Killarney. 
78 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 79 

Innisfallen's ruined shine 

May suggest a passing sigh, 
But man's faith can ne'er decline 
Such God's wonders floating by 
Castle Lough and Glena Bay, 
Mountains Tore and Eagle's Nest. 

Still at Mucross you must pray, 

Tho' the monks are now at rest ; 
Angels wonder not that man, there 
Would fain prolong life's span, 
Beauty's home, Killarney — 
Ever fair Killarney." 

The inhabitants of Killarney turned out to 
welcome the delegates in true Irish style. The 
salutations that greeted our ears were : " Long live 
the French Republic !" " Long live MacMahon ! " 
"Hurrah for the French." An address was pre- 
sented by Mr. O'Donohoe, M. P., to which Mr. de 
Flavigney replied. We were then driven to the 
Lake Hotel, which was beautifully decorated with 
French and Irish colors. All around the hotel 
was lighted up with Chinese lanterns and red fire, 
resembling very much the fairyland we read of in 
story books; and every one, even to the servants, 
wore the tricolor. 

FRANCE WAS BEATEN BECAUSE SHE WAS 
NOT PREPARED FOR WAR. 

We were up bright and early the following 
morning to take a look around. Just outside the 



80 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

hotel we met Mr. McGaven, with whom we very 
gladly took a walk in the bright sunshine, in that 
beautiful spot of earth. During our conversation 
the subject of the late war was introduced. Mr. 
McGaven wanted to know why France was beaten. 
We replied that it was because France was unpre- 
pared for war, while Germany was well prepared. 
Ever since 1866 it became more and more evident 
that France and Prussia would come to blows 
sooner or later. 

Some time ago we visited Prussia, and while 
there several people told us that they intended to 
annex Alsace and Lorraine; and when we told in 
Paris what we heard, every one laughed at us. 
The Prussians, they said, will not dare to put their 
feet on French soil. If they do, we'll rise in our 
thousands and wipe them off the face of the earth. 
Every one knows how Prussia was preparing for 
the conflict, night and day, since '66, while in 
France every thing military was completely ignored. 
There was a lot of speech-making in the Chamber 
of Deputies about our commerce, our industries, 
and our public instruction, etc., but not one word 
was said, not one voice was raised to arouse the 
nation to the real state of affairs. The war came 
as predicted, and we were found unprepared for it, 
and that is the reason why France was beaten. 

On our coming back to the hotel, the barouches, 
decorated in the national colors, were waiting to 
bring us to the lakes. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 81 

It is only by a row on the lakes, says Black, 
that the loveliness of their scenery can be fully 
realized. The changing contours of the mountains, 
the luxuriant foliage clothing the winding shores 
of the lakes and the lesser hills adjoining them, the 
numerous islets that dot their surface, are in this 
way seen to much better advantage than on land ; 
and, indeed, no one can be said to have really 
visited the Lakes of Killarney who has not enjoyed 
the pleasure of a row over them. 

Proceeding towards the lakes, in company with 
Monsignor Moriarty, Bishop of the Diocese, and 
Lord Castleross, we passed the castle, now in ruins 
and clad with ivy. The Abbey of Mucross is a 
picturesque and beautiful ruin. It was founded in 
1340 by the Franciscans. The cloisters are in the 
form of a piazza, surrounding a courtyard, having 
in its centre a magnificent yew tree of very great age. 

The boats were ready to take us over the lakes, 
as we came to the shore, and now pursuing our 
course, we passed one or two islands on our way to 
Innisfallen. Before landing we came to O'Sulli- 
van's Cascade, which consists of three falls : the 
first one falls twenty feet, straight down into a 
basin, then it rushes down into a second basin, 
from which it rolls over into the lowest chamber 
of the fall. Innisfallen is celebrated for its exceed- 
ingly great beauty, but more especially for its 
ancient abbey, whose ruins are scattered about the 
island. The " Annals of Innisfallen" are considered 



82 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

very valuable at the present time; the original copy 
being written over six hundred years ago in this 
old abbey. The "Annals" contains parts of the 
Old Testament, and a universal history, down to 
St. Patrick, and the history of Ireland, to the end 
of the 13th century. The island is about twenty 
acres in all, and from it can be had the most lovely 
views. Speaking of it, Moore says : — 

" Sweet Innisfallen, fare thee well, 

May calm and sunshine long be thine, 
How fair thou art, let others tell, 
While but to feel how fair, be mine. 

Sweet Innisfallen, long shall dwell 
In Memory's dream that sunny smile, 

Which o'er thee on that evening fell 
When first I saw thy fairy isle." 

The Upper Lake is about two and one-half miles 
long, and though it is the smallest of the three, it 
is the most beautiful of them all. No doubt, this 
is owing to its nearness to the mountains, which 
rise abruptly from the water's edge. The wild 
grandeur of this lake, he writes, strikes the observer, 
on first beholding it, with feelings of awe and 
admiration. 

The Eagle's Nest rears its head 1,700 feet. It 
is a rugged mass of rock, and the grey eagles still 
have their eyries here. The echo from this and the 
surrounding rocks is remarkable, especially in calm 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 83 

weather. A bugle call we may hear repeated nearly 
a dozen times, and answered from mountain to 
mountain, sometimes loud and without interval, 
and then fainter and fainter, and after a sudden 
pause, again arising as if from some distant glen, 
then insensibly dying away. The Middle Lake 
contains about 680 acres, and the Lower Lake has 
about 5,000 acres, or five miles long and three 
miles broad, and there are about thirty islands in it. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



KlLLAKNEY TO DUBLIN. AUGUST 26TH. 

THE following day we took our departure 
from this charming town, after bidding 
adieu to its good people, who showered on us many 
acts of kindness. Before we boarded the train, 
some one decorated our trunks with the tricolor, 
which was appreciated by us very much, as then 
they were easily distinguished from the other pieces 
of luggage. All our effects were looked after by 
Antonio, the servant of the Duke de Feltre, so 
nothing went astray. 

At every station along the way, from Killarney 
to Dublin, large crowds were waiting to meet us. 
A beautiful address was presented to us at Kildare, 
and at 5 p. m. our train pulled into the Broadstone 
Station, Dublin. 

ORANGE BIGOTRY. 

Whilst the Irish papers rejoiced every day, at 
the grand demonstrations made in our behalf, the 
Orange sheets showed their spleen by headings, such 
as: "The Queen Insulted," "The Laws Broken," 
"Shall the Police let the Ignorant People break 
the Sabbath, by these Demonstrations on Sunday?" 
84 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 85 

" The Scandal of it all," " It cannot be Allowed." 
We noticed, also, some of the English papers, viz. : 
The Times, the Pall-Mall Gazette, and the Daily 
News, making the same lamentations and shedding 
the same crocodile tears. It appears that C Opinion 
Nationale, which did so much towards uniting 
Italy with Germany, cannot see the use of an Irish 
nation, yet Ireland was our ally, whilst Italy and 
Germany were our enemies. 

THE PRESIDENT CHARMED THE PEOPLE. 

Count de Flavigney, President of the French 
delegation, fulfilled his mission splendidly. A man 
of much experience, calm, serious, and full of 
reserve, who spoke the English language fluently, 
and while he charmed the Irish people, he never 
said a word which could give offense to the English 
government. 

THE FORESTERS. 

We almost forgot to mention that the Foresters, 
a benevolent society, presented an address to us. 
The delegates came, in their green regalia, to the 
Shelbourn, and expressed their loyalty and attach- 
ment to the great French nation, in very eloquent 
words. 

DINNER AT THE MANSION HOUSE. 

The Lord Mayor gave a dinner at the Mansion 
House, on the 26th inst. Mrs. Lavison and Mrs. 
de la Panouse being indisposed, could not attend. 



SQ IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Mrs. Pitray had to bear all the honors, and she did 
so with admirable grace. The Lord Mayor sat at 
the head of the table, with Mrs. Pitray to his right, 
also Mr. John Grey, M. P., and Mr. Lavison ; and 
on his left were Miss Smollen, Count O'Neill of 
Tyrone, and Mrs. Murphy, etc. My next neighbor 
was Miss Campbell, eldest daughter of the Lord 
Mayor; then came Count de Flavigney, and the 
wife of the Lord Mayor, and the Duke de Feltre. 

When dinner was nearly over, the Lord Mayor 
proposed the health of the Queen ; then an old 
gentleman, who looked like a judge, sang " God 
save the Queen ; " every one standing during the 
singing of the royal hymn. Then he drank to the 
health of Mr. de Flavigney, and again the old 
gentleman commenced to sing the Marseillaise. 
Our President replied in part as follows : — 

"My Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen: In 
proposing my health, at so distinguished a reunion, 
and in terms so flattering, you confer on me a great 
favor. 

" I am very happy to be able to profit of this 
last occasion, to thank Ireland once again for the 
magnificent reception which she has given to her 
French guests. From the time of our arrival, the 
officials, who represent the sovereign, have honored 
us in every possible way which lay in their power. 
My Lord Mayor, you yourself, and all the members 
of your corporation, have each and every one shown 
us the kindest attention. The cities, towns and 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 87 

villages, through which we passed, have received 
us in a manner that kings might envy. The out- 
burst of affection, from young and old of this land, 
for my beloved country, was indeed very touching. 
It is very consoling for France to be thus assured, 
in the midst of her trials, that here, at least, she 
has a people who sympathize with her. My Lord, 
believe me, we shall never forget the happy days 
that we passed amongst you. That France, also, 
will always remember what Ireland has done for 
her. We came here to pay a debt of gratitude, but 
instead of that, we have contracted a new one, 
which, please God, we may one day be able to pay 
back a hundred-fold." (Applause.) 

Count O'Neill of Tyrone, on the invitation of the 
Lord Mayor, read the following poem in French, 
which he had translated from Davis. 

LA BRIGADE IRLANDAISE. 

La Veille de la Battaille. 

" Reunis sous la tente, ils boivent. . . . Cependant 
Le comte de Thomond, de leur mess president, 
Se l&ve, verre en main et droit comme une lance : 
' Camarades, dit-il, buvons au roi de France ! ' 
Rasades et vivats respondent a ce cri, 

Car aux Anglais n'en deplaise, 

Le roi Louis est cheri 

De la brigade irlandaise. 



88 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

Buvods a Jaques deux ! On boit avec fracas. 
A Georges Pelecteur ! Et l'on rit aux eclats, 
Bonne chance aux beaut^s que nous avons aimees 
Dans le pays des lacs aux rives erabaumees ! 
Que Dieu garde PIrlande ! lis palissent ; au coeur 

Sans doute un chagrin leur pese : 

On ne tremble pas de peur 

Dans la brigade irlandaise. 

Comme il fait claire ! La lanipe est 6teinte pourtant ; 
Quel tapage! Sont-ils tous ivres dans le camp? . . . 
Aux armes ! Du combat c'est Paube matinale ; 
Cent tambours a la fois battent la generale. 
Aussit6t de la tente ils se rendent tout droit 

A Pavant-garde francaise ; 

C ? est la sa place de droit 

A la brigade irlandaise. 

De ces preux, francs-buveurs, pas un n ? a survecu, 
Tous ont ete tues ; qu ? importe ! Ils ont vaincu. 
D'autres ont, apr^s eux, combattu pour la France, 
Jamais ils n'ont revu leur terre d'esperance. 
De Dunkerque a Belgrade, en tous lieux de 
combats 

II n'est plaine ni falaise 

OtL ne gisent des soldats 

De la brigade irlandaise." 

(Great applause.) 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 89 

THE IRISH BRIGADE. 

The Eve of the Battle. 

" The mess-tent is full, and the glasses are set, 
And the gallant Count Thomond is president yet; 
The vet'ran arose, like an uplifted lance, 
Crying — ' Comrades, a health to the monarch of 

France ! ' 
With bumpers and cheers, they have done as he bade, 
For King Louis is loved by the Irish Brigade. 

A health to King James, and they bent as they 

quaffed, 
Here's to George the Elector, and fiercely they 

laughed, 
Good luck to the girls, we wooed long ago, 
Where Shannon, and Barrow, and Blackwater flow; 
'God prosper Old Ireland' — you'd think them afraid, 
So pale grew the chiefs of the Irish Brigade. 

But, surely, that light cannot come from our lamp ? 
And that noise — ' are they all getting drunk in the 

camp ? ' 
Hurrah ! boys, the morning of battle is come, 
And the generale's beating on many a drum. 
So they rush from the revel to join the parade ; 
For the van is the right of the Irish Brigade. 

They fought as they revelled, fast, fiery, and true, 
And, though victors, they left on the field not a few ; 

7 



90 IRELAND AND FRANCE, 

And they, who survived, fought and drank as of 

yore, 
But the land of their heart's hope they never saw 

more, 
For in far foreign fields, from Dunkirk to Belgrade, 
Lie the soldiers and chiefs of the Irish Brigade." 

Then Mr. John Grey delivered a very stirring 
address, and at midnight we bade good-bye to the 
Lord Mayor, thanking him very much for his kind 
hospitality. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Mass at the Jesuits' Church. Depar- 
ture of the French Delegates. 
August 27th. 

ON the morning of Sunday, August 27th, the 
French delegation, with a number of dis- 
tinguished people of the city, took their places in 
covered carriages, and were driven to the Church of 
St. Francis Xavier, to hear Mass. The church 
belongs to the Jesuits. An immense crowd almost 
blocked the way. The church was packed. About 
fifty young men, decorated with French and Irish 
colors, acted as ushers in, and outside of the church. 
The music was fine, and the sermon, preached by 
Rev. Father Bannon, S. J., was a masterpiece of elo- 
quence. The subject was, " France, the queen of 
civilization, will now become once more the sister, 
the protector of all oppressed nations ; " and many 
of the congregation were moved to tears during its 
delivery. 

THE DEPARTURE. 

For several days beforehand, great preparations 
were made for our departure for home. The rail- 
roads made reduction in the price of tickets, and 
from all parts of the country, great crowds poured 

91 



92 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

into the city. It was said that more than two 
thousand francs worth of ribbons were sold during 
that day. We could not believe that the joyous 
scenes, on our arrival at Dublin and Cork, could 
be surpassed, but such was the case, for the mani- 
festations were almost indescribable. The people 
went wild, in fact. It was very remarkable that 
there was not a policeman to be seen the whole 
day. The government, no doubt, decided to keep 
them in-doors, fearing that there might be a con- 
flict between them and the people. 

From 2 p. m., the societies, with bands playing 
and flags flying, bearing the mottos, "God save 
France ! " and " Erin go Bragh ! " moved pass the 
hotel. There were about fifty bands of music. 
Every one, men, women and children, wore French 
and Irish colors. Every house was decorated with 
the French flag. From Dublin to Kingstown was 
one mass of humanity. And the cry heard, above all 
others, was "Hurrah for the French," and "Vive 
la France ! " When we arrived at Kingstown, it 
was 6.45 p. m., and so great was the crowd here 
that we could not advance, but only very slowly, 
and on that account we were too late for the boat 
going to England. We then decided to stop at the 
hotel, and wait until the following morning. Many 
of the people thought we had left on the boat, 
and retired very soon after to their homes. 

During all the excitement, not an accident occur- 
red, and not a policeman put in an appearance, yet 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 93 

every thing went off in perfect order. And we 
must say, that whilst we were in Ireland, we have 
not seen a person under the influence of liquor, 
something we canDot say of England. 

We almost forgot to mention, that when the 
carriage, in which Messrs. de Flavigney, Feltre, 
Lombard and Duquet, came under one of the 
triumphal arches, a beautifully ornamented cage 
was dropped into it. On close examination we 
found the cage contained a dove, which Mrs. de la 
Panouse carried home to France. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



From Dublin to London. 
August 28th. 

aEVERAL members of the delegation desired 
very much to spend another day in Dublin. 
Messrs. de Lesseps, Henry O'Neill, Chaise, Galishon 
and Cochin had already departed from Ireland, and 
on the 28th, Messrs. Lavison, Rufz and Duquet set 
out for home. At 7 p. m. we took the train for 
Kingstown, and a few minutes after, we were on 
board the boat for Holyhead. It was a beautiful 
morning — the sun was shining brightly, and the 
sea was as calm as a lake. We admired the beauti- 
ful town of Kingstown, and taking a look at the 
mountains, far away in the distance, we sailed away. 
But behold you, all of a sudden, everything was 
shut out from view. It was impossible to see 
twenty feet ahead, the fog was so thick. All was 
bustle, then, on the boat — every one was on the 
qui vive. The fog-horn sounded every minute, 
the watches were doubled, and every precaution 
taken to prevent accident. After an hour, the fog 
lifted as quickly as it came, and we were all happy 
once more. It takes about five hours to cross the 
Irish Sea, and the shortest passage is via Holyhead. 
94 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 95 

By this route London can be reached in about 
eleven hours from Dublin. When our boat landed 
at Holyhead, we shook hands with the Captain, 
boarded the train immediately, and away we started 
for London. Arriving at Euston station at 7 p. m., 
we had just two hours to wait before setting out 
for Paris. Lunch over, we ordered a cab, and 
drove to Charing Cross, from which we took our 
departure. At this station there was one thing 
which attracted our attention, and which made 
every one anxious to find out if his pocket-book 
was still in his possession. In large print was 
written : 

NOTICE. 

The public are warned to be aware 
of pickpockets, who are generally very 
well dressed. Women, especially, should 
not be trusted. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



From London to Paris. 
August 28th, 29th. 

IT took the train just two hours to go from 
London to Dover, and at 11.30 we went on 
board the steamer, bound for Calais. The moon 
shone out brightly, and we could see the white cliffs 
of Dover disappear, little by little, as we sailed 
away. Very soon Calais was seen in the distance, 
and we all rejoiced to know that we would be home 
again, in a very short time. On landing we were 
prepared to open our trunks and show our pass- 
ports, but the commissioner, finding out who we 
were, let us pass without any bother. 

The journey from Calais to Paris made very 
little impression on some of us, for we went to bed 
in the former, and awoke in the latter city, the 
following morning, just twenty-four hours since we 
set out from Dublin. 

At 11 a. m. we were at Versailles, with Marshal 
MacMahon, telling him about the ovation we re- 
ceived, and the enthusiasm with which his name 
was received in Ireland. We made a little speech, 
something in this fashion : — 
96 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 97 

"Marshal, you have had very good reason not 
to pay a visit to the land of your forefathers, for, 
judging from the enthusiasm of the people, at the 
bare mention of your name, we could not tell what 
might have happened if you had been there your- 
self. The Irish people would have been trans- 
ported by an outburst of joy, affection and admira- 
tion for you. There would have been a revolution 
surely. The people would have simply gone wild 
over you ; and you would have been proclaimed 
king. Marshal, our advice to you is, when you go 
to Ireland, go at the head of 100,000 men, as the 
successor of General Hoche." 

The Marshal laughed heartily, and seemed to 
be very well pleased at the reception we got in 
Ireland, the home of his ancestors. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Conclusion. 

WHAT conclusion must we draw from the 
splendid reception which rejoiced the 
hearts of the members of the French delegation ? 
In the first place, it must be borne in mind, that it 
was France the Irish people intended to honor in 
our persons. Ireland worships us and, right or 
wrong, puts her trust in us, hoping that, through 
us, her deliverance will come some day. She sang 
once, and who knows but she may sing again, — 

" Viva la, the French are coming, 
Viva la, our friends are true, 
Viva la, the French are coming ; 
What will the poor yeomen do ? " 

THANKS TO IRELAND. 

We should be very thankful to Ireland for all 
the marks of esteem and affection shown to us dur- 
ing the late war. She was the only nation who 
came to our relief at the time, and we are certain, 
that if she had Home Rule, the Irish Parliament 
would have spent the last penny in our behalf, and 
98 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 



99 



would have sent us, not an Irish Brigade, but an 
Irish army. 

Until our dying day we shall always remember 
the names of Messrs. P. J. Smith, O'Sullivan, 
Lombard, E. Lesage, McCann, McCabe-Fay, and 
the members for the county Dublin, and in think- 
ing of them, how can we forget Ireland, and the 
whole Irish people? 



THE END. 



Paris, France, 

Sept. Uth, 1871. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



The International Committee for 

the Relief of the Sick and 

Wounded in War. 



treaty of geneva for the amelioration of 
the condition of the wounded on the 
Field of Battle, August 22nd, 1864. 

THE Governments of Belgium, Baden, Den- 
mark, France, Holland, Portugal, Prussia, 
Saxony, Spain, Wurtemburg, and also the Federal 
Council of Switzerland, desiring to mitigate as much 
as possible the terrible evils of war, by giving relief 
to the wounded soldiers on the battlefield, have con- 
cluded a treaty for this purpose, the articles of which 
are as follows : — 

Article 1. Ambulances and military hospitals 
shall be acknowledged to be neutral, and as such 
shall be protected and respected by belligerents, so 
long as any sick or wounded may be therein. Such 
neutrality shall cease, if the ambulance or hospitals 
should be held by military force. 

Article 2. Persons employed in hospitals and 
ambulances, comprising the staff for superintend- 
100 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 101 

ence, medical service, administration, transport of 
wounded, as well as chaplains, shall participate in 
the benefit of neutrality while so employed. 

Article 3. The persons mentioned in Article 2 
may, even after occupation of the enemy, continue 
to do their duties in the hospital or ambulance, 
which they may have, or they may return to the 
corps to which they belong. When these persons 
shall cease from their labors, they shall be given up 
by the occupying army to the enemy. And they 
shall have the right to send a representative to the 
commander-in-chief of their own armies. 

Article 4. As military hospitals are subject to 
the laws of war, persons on withdrawing from them 
must take only what is their own private property. 
On the contrary, ambulances shall retain all their 
equipments on going away. 

Article 5. The inhabitants of the country, who 
may bring help to the wounded, shall be respected 
and shall remain free. The generals of the bel- 
ligerent powers shall inform the inhabitants of the 
appeal addressed to their humanity. Every house, 
in which a wounded soldier is, shall be protected. 
Every one who entertains a wounded soldier in his 
house shall be exempted from the quartering of 
troops, and from the payment of any war tax which 
may be imposed. 

Article 6. Sick and wounded soldiers shall be 
taken care of, no matter to what nation they may 
belong. Commanders-in-chief shall have the power 



102 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

to deliver immediately to the enemy soldiers who 
have been wounded in battle. Those who have 
recovered from their wounds shall be sent back to 
their own country. Prisoners also may be sent 
back on condition that they will not bear arms 
during the war. Evacuations shall be protected by 
neutrality laws. 

Article 7. A distinctive and uniform flag shall 
be adopted for hospitals, ambulances and evacua- 
tions, and on every occasion be accompanied by the 
national flag. An arm badge shall also be allowed 
for neutral persons, but the delivery of these badges 
shall be left to the military authorities. The arm 
badge and the flag shall bear a red cross, on a 
white ground. 

Article 8. The details of execution of the present 
convention shall be regulated by the commanders- 
in-chief of contending armies, according to the 
instructions of their home governments, and in 
conformity with the general principles laid down 
in this convention. 

Article 9. The contracting powers have agreed to 
communicate the doings of the present convention 
to those governments which have not found it con- 
venient to send plenipotentiaries to the International 
Convention at Geneva, with an invitation to accede 
thereto ; the protocol is, for that purpose, left open. 

Article 10. The present convention shall be 
ratified, and the ratification shall be exchanged at 
Berne, in four months, or sooner, if possible. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 103 

In witness thereof, the plenipotentiaries have 
signed the same and have affixed thereto the seal 
of their arms. 

Done at Geneva, the 23rd day of August, 1864. 

List of Governments which Adopted the Treaty. 

The governments which signed the articles of 
the convention of Geneva, are as follows : — 

1864. Baden, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, 
Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Norway. 

1865. England, Greece, Mecklenburg, Prussia and 

Turkev. 

■f 

1866. Austria, Bavaria, Hesse Darmstadt, Portu- 

gal, Saxony and Wurtemburg. 

1867. Russia. 

1868. Pontifical States. 

1874. Persia, Rournania and San Salvador. 

1875. Montenegro. 

1876. Servia. 

1879. Argentine Republic, Chili and Bolivia. 

1880. Peru. 

1882. United States of America. 

1884. Bulgaria. 

1886. Japan. 

1888. Congo Free States, Hungary and Luxem- 
burg. 

1894. Venezuela. 

1895. Siam. 

1896. South African Republic. 

1898. Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Brazil. 



104 ireland and france. 

The Navy. 

Articles signed by the Great Powers in 1868, 
Concerning the Armies on the Sea. 

Article 1. The persons mentioned in Article 2 
of the convention shall continue to do their duties 
to the sick and wounded, after the occupation by 
the enemy. When those persons wish to go away, 
the commander shall fix the time of their departure. 
He may delay it for a very short time in case of 
necessity. 

Article 2. Neutralized persons captured by the 
army of the enemy may have their salaries paid as 
heretofore by applying to the contending powers. 

Article 3. In Articles 1 and 2 of the convention, 
the name " ambulance " applies to field hospitals 
and other temporary establishments which follow 
the troops on the field of battle to receive the sick 
and wounded. 

Article 4. According to the meaning of Article 

5 of the convention, about the quartering of troops 
and the war tax, account only shall be taken of the 
charity shown by the inhabitants, their zeal and 
good-will, in taking care of the wounded soldiers. 

Article 5. It is agreed, in addition with Article 

6 of the convention, that (officers excepted) the 
wounded captured by the enemy shall be sent back 
to their own country, after they are cured, on con- 
dition of not bearing arms during the war. 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 105 

Article 6. During and after a battle at sea, all 
boats which, at their own peril, pick up the ship- 
wrecked sailors, shall be considered neutral until 
they have reached the hospital ship, or some other 
neutral ship. The wrecked and wounded thus 
saved must not bear arms again during the war. 

Article 7. The religious, medical and hospital 
staff of any captured ship are hereby declared 
neutral, and on leaving the ship may take away 
all their private property. 

Article 8. The aforesaid staff must fulfill their 
duties in the captured ship, assisting the wounded, 
etc. ; then they may return to their own country. 

Article 9. The hospital ships are under martial 
law as to their stores. The hospital ships belong 
to the captor, but must not be used for any other 
purpose during the war. Vessels intended for 
hospital ships, and which are not armed, shall 
enjoy the laws of neutrality, both with regard to 
their stores and staffs. 

Article 10. Merchant ships charged with the 
removal of the sick and wounded are to be con- 
sidered neutral. The fact of their being visited by 
the enemy's ships renders the sick and wounded 
incapable of bearing arms during the war. If a 
merchant vessel carries a cargo which is not con- 
traband, she is protected by neutrality. The bel- 
ligerents retain the right to interdict neutralized 
vessels from all communication, and from any 
course which they may deem prejudicial to the 
8 



106 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

secrecy of their operations. Commanders-in-chief 
may neutralize for a time vessels intended for the 
removal of the sick and wounded. 

Article 11. Sick and wounded soldiers and sailors 
shall be protected and taken care of by their captors, 
no matter to what country they may belong. Their 
return to their own country is subject to the pro- 
vision of Article 6 of the convention, and of the 
additional Article 5. 

Article 1 2. The flag to be used with the national 
flag is to be white, with a red cross in the centre. 
Boats or ships displaying the white flag may claim 
the benefits of neutrality. The belligerents may 
exercise any mode of verification which they may 
deem necessary. Hospital ships shall be distin- 
guished by being painted white outside, with green 
strake. 

Article 13. The hospital ships, which are equip- 
ped at the expense of the aid societies, recognized 
by the governments signing this convention, and 
which are furnished with a commission from the 
sovereign, who shall have given express authority 
for their being fitted out, and with a certificate 
from the proper naval authority, that they have 
been placed under his control during their fitting 
out, and on their final departure, and that they 
were then appropriated solely to the purpose of 
their mission, shall be considered neutral, as well 
as the whole of their staff. They shall be recog- 
nized and protected by the belligerents. They shall 



IRELAND AND FRANCE. 107 

make themselves known by hoisting, with their 
national flag, the white flag with a red cross. The 
distinctive mark of their staff, while performing 
their duties, shall be an arm badge of the same color. 

The outside painting of these hospital ships shall 
be white with a red strake. These ships shall bear 
aid to the wounded and wrecked belligerents with- 
out distinction of nationality. They must not 
interfere in any way with the movements of the 
combatants. During and after the battle they must 
do their duty at their own risk and peril. 

The combatants shall have the right of control- 
ling them and of visiting them ; and they will be 
at liberty to refuse their assistance, or order them 
to depart, and to detain them if necessary. 

The wrecked sailors and soldiers, picked up by 
these ships, cannot be claimed by either combatant, 
but they must not fight any more during the con- 
tinuance of the war. 

Article 14. If either of the combatants takes 
advantage of the benefits of neutrality, in naval 
battles, with any other view than the interest of 
the sick and wounded, the other belligerent has the 
right to suspend the convention treaty. If it be 
certain that such is the case, notice may be given to 
said belligerent that the convention is suspended 
with regard to him during the whole war. 

Article 15. The present act shall be drawn up 
in a single, original copy, which shall be deposited 
in the archives of the Swiss confederation. 



108 IRELAND AND FRANCE. 

An authentic copy of this act shall be delivered, 
with an invitation to adhere to it, to each of the 
signatory powers of the convention of the 22nd of 
August, 1864, as well as those who have acceded 
to it. 

In faith whereof, the commissioners have drawn 
up the present additional articles, and have affixed 
thereto the seals of their arms. 



APPENDIX. 



MARSHAL MacMAHON, 

President of the French Republic, 1873. 



I. — Parentage. 

PATRICK MAURICE, Count de MacMahon, 
and Duke of Magenta, who was born on 
June 13th, 1808, at the Castle of Sully, in France, 
belonged to the Clare MacMahons, one of the most 
ancient families in Ireland ; their ancestors having 
been the O'Briens, kings of Munster, of the race 
of Heber. 

The Marshal's grandfather, John-Baptist Mac- 
Mahon, was a native of Limerick, where he was 
born in 1715. He went to France to seek the 
education denied him at home. Having heard that 
an Irishman of his name had acquired fame as the 
principal doctor of the Paris Military School, he 
embraced that profession. Having been admitted to 
the profession in 1739, he lived until the year 1775, 
leaving two sons. The eldest, Charles Laurence, 
fought with Lafayette for American freedom, became 
a marquis and a chevalier of St. Louis, received 
on the first restoration, in 1814, the rank of field- 

109 



110 MAKSHAL MACMAHOtf. 

marshal, and was named a peer of France in 1827. 
He died in 1830. 

Count de MacMahon, the younger son of John- 
Baptist MacMahon, and father of the Marshal, 
became a colonel in the famous regiment of the 
Hussars of the Guard in 1789. He was among 
the royalist exiles of the revolution, and afterwards 
became the intimate friend of Charles X. Though 
the traditions of the family were royalist, the 
mother of MacMahon, a great-granddaughter of 
the famous engineer, Riquet, befriended more than 
one of the republican exiles in the days of their 
adversity. When Courtois, of the Legislative 
Assembly, had to fly, his orphaned daughter found 
in the Countess de MacMahon a mother and pro- 
tector. The Count had seventeen children, nine 
of whom survived. There were four sons. The 
third, who was destined for such a famous part in 
the history of France, was born at the Castle of 
Sully, on the 13th of June, 1808. 

At the age of 17 the future Marshal entered 
the military school of St. Cyr, from which he 
graduated with high honors in October, 1827. In 
January, 1830, he was made lieutenant of the 
Fourth Hussars, and in the following April he 
went with the Twentieth Regiment to Algiers, with 
which country France was then at war. For his 
brilliant conduct in the war he was made a lieu- 
tenant in April, 1831, and in the September follow- 
ing, received the cross of Knight of the Legion of 



112 MARSHAL MACMAHON. 

Honor, a rare honor then for so young a soldier. 
The young MacMahon returned to France, and in 
1833 was made adjutant first, and captain after- 
wards, of the Eighth Cuirassiers. He returned to 
Algiers in 1836, but was back in Paris in 1838, 
when he received the unusual honor of promotion 
in the Order of the Legion of Honor to the class 
of officer. From 1840 to 1855 young MacMahon 
served constantly in Algiers. As lieutenant-colonel 
of the Foreign Legion he was engaged in all the 
affairs against the Kabyles, from 1842 to 1844, 
when he was appointed full colonel of the Forty-first 
Regiment of the line, in the Province of Oran. 

II. — General of Brigade. 

In 1848 MacMahon was made General of Brig- 
ade and obtained command of the Province of 
Oran. In 1852 he was appointed to the military 
government of Constantinople, and was promoted to 
the rank of General of Division. When the Crimean 
war broke out General MacMahon was at first 
appointed to the First Corps of the Army of the 
North. 

III. — The Crimean War. 

The plan of campaign being changed, however, 
the General was sent to the Crimea in the middle 
of 1855. MacMahon arrived just in time for glory. 
General Pelissier was preparing for the final assault. 
He gave the most difficult task — the storming, 



MARSHAL MACMAHON. 113 

capture and retention of the Malakoff — to the fresh 
troops which MacMahon brought. " Count upon 
us, General," said the latter and his officers, when 
the plan was unfolded to them. When the moment 
came (September 8th, 1855) the key of Sebastopol 
fell to their irresistible rush, and was preserved to 
them by the cool resource of MacMahon, for the 
first assault was but the beginning of the fight. 
The assailants had no sooner become possessed of 
the position than they had to arrange for its defense. 
Again and again the Russians returned to regain, 
if they could, the lost ground. But it was due to 
the admirable disposition of his forces, made on the 
spot and under fire by MacMahon, that the prize 
was saved. His arrangements were so complete 
that he had settled with his second in command 
what was to be done in case MacMahon and his 
Second Brigade were blown up. The possibility 
was not remote — 40,000 kilogrammes of powder 
had been placed in position and electric connec- 
tions established. MacMahon's engineer lost not a 
moment in discovering the latter and cutting them. 
MacMahon had gripped the Malakoff, and would 
not loose his hold. The capture made the defense 
of Sebastopol impossible, and though the English 
had failed to establish themselves under the terrible 
fire that swept the Redan, the Russians fired the 
town when night had fallen, and left the ruins to 
their foes. MacMahon received for his exploit the 
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, was named 



114 MARSHAL MACMAHON. 

Senator of France, and appointed to the command 
of the reserves. 



IV. — MacMahon Created Marshal and 
Duke of Magenta. 

In September, 1858, MacMahon was appointed 
commander-in-chief of all the land and sea forces in 
Algeria. Shortly after this the war with Austria 
broke out. Early in 1859 MacMahon went to 
Italy. On June 3rd, commanding the Second 
Corps of the French army, he routed an Austrian 
corps at Roechetta, and on the following day won 
the famous battle of Magenta, which gave the Irish 
hero his dukedom. The Emperor Napoleon III. 
and the King of Sardinia, with 55,000 men, were 
stoutly opposed by 75,000 Austrians, and but for the 
timely arrival on the field of General MacMahon, 
the allies would have been disastrously defeated. 
For this splendid victory MacMahon was made 
marshal. Twenty days after the battle of Magenta 
the French and Sardinians gained another signal 
victory over the Austrians, which was achieved 
mainly by the skill and bravery of MacMahon, 
and another gallant Irish general, Neill. This 
ended the war. When peace was proclaimed 
Marshal MacMahon returned to Paris and was 
appointed to the command of the Lille Military 
District. 



MARSHAL MACMAHON. 



115 



V.— Franco-Prussian War. MacMahon's 
Plans not Heeded. 

When the Franco-Prussian war broke out in 
the Summer of 1870, Marshal MacMahon was 
intrusted with the command of the Second Division 
of the grand army organized by the Emperor. 
Marshal Bazaine had control of the other. The 
Emperor was nominally commander-in-chief, but 
his presence, instead of inspiring confidence, had 
only the effect of paralyzing the action of the 
real chiefs. On August 2nd, the headquarters of 
the French army being then at Metz, Marshal 
MacMahon received orders to move in an easterly 
direction and feel the strength of the enemy. He 
advanced as far as Woerth with 40,000 men, 
when he found himself suddenly overwhelmed by 
160,000 Prussians, under the Crown Prince of 
Prussia. MacMahon's corps was separated from 
the main army, and the Prussians pressed him 
hard on all sides. The peril to the French was 
great, and nothing but the most desperate fighting 
could save them from being utterly crushed by 
sheer brute force. MacMahon himself was to be 
seen, when the smoke would partly clear away, 
in the midst of showers of bullets, fighting like 
an enraged lion. Once or twice his assaults were 
so terrible against the Prussian line, that the 
Crown Prince was obliged to give ground to the 
French. For 26 hours he kept the saddle ; his 



116 MAESHAL MACMAHON. 

horse was killed under him, and his chief of staff 
was shot at his side. 

MacMahon finally succeeded in retreating in 
good order. His design was to fall back on Paris, 
where, with the aid of the force already gathered 
there, and under the control of Trochu, he felt 
his ability to cope with the invaders. Bazaine, 
in the meantime, was strong enough to hold Metz, 
while the provinces could be organizing fresh 
armies to march to the aid of MacMahon, who, 
when he felt himself sufficiently strong, was to 
have marched to the relief of Bazaine. This was 
MacMahon's plan, but the stupid officials in Paris 
ordered him to move at once to Bazaine. The 
Emperor, whose short-sightedness and truculence 
brought about the unnecessary and awful war, did 
not interfere one way or the other after the Woerth 
disaster. MacMahon, in trying to carry out his 
superiors' orders, was driven towards Sedan, the 
trap set for the French by Von Moltke, which 
MacMahon himself had feared, and into which he 
was urged by the War Directory at Paris. At 
Sedan, MacMahon again fought with superhuman 
energy. " To relate what MacMahon did," said a 
French officer who was present at the battle, " is 
impossible. Steel, fire, melted metal, explosive 
balls, and I don't know what other infernal 
mixtures the Prussians there made use of for the 
first time, appeared to stream off or rebound 
from him like hail from a roof. He went to the 



MARSHAL MACMAHON. 117 

front seeking death. i Leave me, my friends/ he 
said to us all, who sought to prevent him from 
going forward, ' let me show those kings, those 
princes, who hide behind masses of men, that a 
Marshal of France knows how to fight, and 
when beaten, how to die/ And he smiled upon 
us a sad smile which made us weep and redoubled 
our rage. Ah, miserable ! We kill, we massacre, 
and the living appear to spring up from the dead, 
which we heap around us. We climbed a little 
mountain of dead bodies that we might reckon 
how long the butchery would last. My sabre, 
broken and reeking, fell from my hands when I 
saw what masses we had still to deal with." 
MacMahon was frightfully wounded, and the 
entire French army was compelled to surrender. 
When MacMahon had sufficiently recovered from 
his wounds, he was confined a prisoner of war 
at Wiesbaden, where he remained until peace had 
been signed. 

VI. — MacMahon and the Commune. 

MacMahon returned to France on the 15th of 
March, 1871, just in time to take up the most 
painful duty that ever fell to his lot. The invader 
had but retired when civil war blazed forth in 
Paris, and to MacMahon was given the command 
of the Army of Versailles, hastily assembled 
together to recapture the capital from the Com- 



118 MARSHAL MACMAHON. 

munists. It was a laborious and a desperate task. 
The army was established only on the 6th of 
April. It began operations five days later, and 
day by day, and night by night it moved on 
from position to position, fighting incessantly 
until the 29th of May. Every suburb, every 
fort, almost every street in Paris had to be 
recaptured, and ere the work was done, over 
7,000 of MacMahon's army had fallen. Before 
they were finally beaten, the Communists had 
become incendiaries, and the devastation of Paris 
was witnessed with exasperation by the leaders 
of France. 

" Soldiers" wrote MacMahon, when the Vendome 
Monument had been destroyed, " the column of the 
Vendome has just fallen. The stranger respected 
it. The Commune of Paris has overthrown it. 
Men who style themselves Frenchmen have dared 
to destroy, under the eyes of the Germans who 
watch us, that witness of the victories of your 
fathers against combined Europe. Do they hope, 
these unworthy assailants of the national glory, to 
blot out the memory of those soldierly virtues of 
which that monument was the glorious symbol? 
Soldiers ! if the memories which that column re- 
called to us are no longer graven upon iron, they 
are still at least living in our hearts, and drawing 
inspiration from them, we shall be able to give 
France a new pledge of bravery, devotion and 
patriotism," 



MARSHAL MACMAHON. 119 

VII. — MacMahon Elected President of 
the French Republic. 

The work of establishing order being accom- 
plished, MacMahon resumed his military duties. 
The various Royalist parties hoped that he might 
bring back the lilies of France and the White 
flag. " Desiring to serve France alone," said 
MacMahon, " I have loyally served every govern- 
ment that has ruled there." He refused a nomina- 
tion to the Senate, and devoted himself simply to 
the work of his office as Commander-in-Chief. But 
two years later he was compelled, by his sense of 
duty to France, to accept the office of President 
of the Republic. Civil war threatened within, and 
Bismark was meditating an attack from without 
upon the nation whose recuperative energy had 
completely upset the calculations of the authors 
of the brutal peace of Versailles.* He did not 
accept it without misgiving. 

" Gentlemen," said he to the delegates of the 
National Assembly, who came to offer him the 
Presidency, " I am not a politician ; lama soldier, 
and the title you offer me might it not be used 
profitably to satisfy certain diplomatic suscepti- 
bilities? You have among you men of high merit 
who could much better fill so delicate a position. 

* Note.— France was obliged to pay Prussia $1,500,000,000 
and also to cede Alsace and Lorraine. 



120 MARSHAL MACMAHON. 

I can promise to whoever would accept the func- 
tions of chief Executive my most absolute devotion, 
and 1 will glve my services to him without reserve 
1 think I can be more useful to the country at the 
head of the army." 

He spoke like the loyal soldier of France that 
he was; and it was just a loyal soldier that France 
needed then, to rally all parties to the cause of 
national strength and national unity. The delegates 
of the Assembly prevailed, and in their message to 
the Assembly they told how "it was only with 
great difficulty that we could overcome the resistance 
of the Marshal; but we appealed to his sense of 
duty to the sacrifices that he had ever shown 
himself ready to make for his country; and in 
accepting, he has given once more proof of the 
ardent patriotism that makes him so dear to the 
fatherland." 

"It is a heavy responsibility," declared Mac- 
Mahon in his message of acceptance, « but with 
the help of God, the devotion of our army, which 
will ever be the army of the law, the support of 
all good men, we will combine together for the 
liberation of the territory and the re-establishment 
of moral order in our country. We will maintain 
internal peace and the principles upon which society 
rests I give you the word of an honest man and 
a soldier." 

MacMahon's accession to the Presidency syn- 
chronized with the union of the Eoyalist parties 



MAKSHAL MACMAHON. 121 

and the coming together of the Comte de Ohambord 
and the Comte de Paris. Some among them 
counted upon MacMahon to restore monarchy by 
a coup-d'etat. But MacMahon's word was the 
word of an honest man and a soldier, and when 
he said that the army should ever be the "army 
of the law" he meant what he said. Having 
accepted office from the hands of the National 
Assembly he would be loyal to the National 
Assembly and execute what it might decree. If 
the National Assembly called Henry V. to the 
throne, MacMahon would have submitted and 
retired. But he would enter into no conspiracy, 
and he told the friends of the Comte de Chambord 
that, friend that he was to the House of Bourbon, 
"were the white flag substituted for the tricolor 
in the army the ' Chassepots ? would go off of 
themselves." 

MacMahon had resisted the invasion of the 
constitution by Napoleon. If the Bourbons were 
to come back it should only be through the 
portals of the constitution. MacMahon was elected 
for seven years, and he discharged his duties 
faithfully. And when he quit the Presidency, it 
was because he refused to dismiss his companions 
in arms, in 1879, at the orders of a political party. 
He stepped down, and out without a murmur, 
still loyal to the voice of France. He retired to 
the woods at La Forest a poorer man than when 
he entered the Elysee. He had refused the 
9 



122 MARSHAL MACMAHON. 

125,000 francs a year, that had been voted him 
for his traveling expenses. Learning that Presi- 
dent Grevy was a poor man, and could not provide 
the Elysee with the necessary services of plate, 
he offered his own to his successor. They were 
accepted, and still remain in the Presidential 
residence as a proof that the second President of 
the Republic was superior to the greed of office. 

From his retirement from the Presidency, in 
1879, until his death in October, 1893, MacMahon 
lived a quiet, peaceful life, undisturbed by the 
cares of public office. The valiants of the future 
were his thoughts when other cares had gone. He 
was offered some dignified office of state, but he 
declined it, saying : " When a man has been first 
in his country, he can become nothing less, except 
it be a soldier on the frontier, facing the enemy." 

The End. 



Note. — The translator is indebted to the courtesy of the 
Editor Irish World, N. Y., for permission to include in this 
volume, the foregoing sketch of Marshal MacMahon, second 
President of the French Eepublic. 



